Thanks to everyone involved this year. The Fringe turned out to be one big highlight and in London I have yet to come across another event like the one we have in Stoke Newington. In order for this to happen so successfully and free you have to have people involved who do it for the love of music and the desire to kick a load of musicians up the arse to play. This year I tried to give the best we have to offer and I can’t see how it could’ve been better (apart from those who couldn’t make it – Duncan, Krissie). There were no fillers, no favours and no Craig David imitators. It was all about getting pissed and watching bands.

Friday night started with free wine, sorry, the Mediaeval Baebes, at the big church, and I was really taken by, not only the Baebes but the diversity and enthusiasm of the audience. When that finished it was on to Ryans for windowblowers Fevertick and the brilliant $kull Di$ko. The Drones Club put on a great night up at The Others keeping the Fringe going into the early hours (Thanks Richard and Marina!).

After a bottle of wine, Saturday started with The Corn Rocket Club Alldayer at Ryans which Eric and Victor have set up as the finest punk-rock club in North London. Gibbo had his City Farmers at the small church along with Morning Bride, Louie and the rest. Usually with these things you would know every single face but, as Gibbo pointed out, there were a lot of fresh faces in Stoke Newington over the weekend so we are attracting some sort of attention. You could have chosen any number of events along the street before arriving at The Others. The Mysterious Benefactors are young and were brilliant on the night – worth keeping your eye on.

Blood Safari – enough said – and Soixante Neuf were sponsored by Becks, Coke and everybody else’s guitars (sorry for pissing on your fire Jan). Then Monkey Island came on and showed all of us how play a live show. There is so much talent and passion on the stage that it’s shocking to think that most of you reading this haven’t seen them. 

Sunday, previously the quieter day, was not so this year. Luxury Condo and Babayaka played blinders. Venom Seeds were huge with Anne’s garage-punk riffs and very interactive stage show – be warned. Then, with the place rammed, Great Bear came on and rocked the place. They were immense and, yet again, showed everybody just how good we have it here.

Everyone has had my personal thanks, you know who you are. Many thanks to Simon at the Others, Ged at Ryans and Andrew at the church. Tracey Vandal – couldn’t have done this without you. Cheers, Rab.

You have got so much entertainment, excitement and talent on your doorstep: pick up the flyers, look at the posters, check the listings and go. You live in a place where something is going on every night, things you have never seen before, free things!! Open your eyes Stoke Newington. You lucky people.