Posts by carolijn guytonbeck

  • Hard News: When a riot went on,

    "I think it’s also worth knowing about the way that the local music business itself was almost swallowed up in the moral panic that followed the riot."

    Shortly after the riots I planned an outdoor concert and was called into a serious meeting with our local head of police and several others. They really didn't want it to go ahead concerned that riots would ensure. But said it could if I was very strict on not allowing alcohol - "it makes people violent". Drugs were ok - "they make people relaxed". Well the concert went successfully on a hot sunny afternoon in Chingford Park - short of grumpy friends who had to leave their beer at the gate. Funnily, part way through 20 or 30 plain clothed police emerged from the sport pavilion and enjoyed a casual game of cricket. I had no idea they were there! Thereafter I was able to organise concerts without serious meetings or hidden police.

    But yes, strange times as the riot squad were unwelcome guests to just about every good Dunedin party and if quietly watching from the side the actions and re-actions were interesting to observe. Amongst the flying glass there was vibrancy in the air.

    Dunedin • Since Oct 2013 • 1 posts Report Reply