The idea
June 2020 marks 40 years since Bob Marley & the Wailers played their famous concert at Crystal Palace Bowl in South London, on the 1980 'Uprising Tour' - this was to be their final performance in London and largest ever UK gig.
To celebrate this significant anniversary, we’ve designed a unique and appropriate commemorative plaque - heritage blue ringed with the iconic Ethiopian/pan-African/Reggae colours of red, yellow and green - to be sited close to the open-air stage in the park. Now we need your help to crowdfund its production and installation!
If successful, we anticipate an unveiling ceremony for the plaque in Autumn 2020, to coincide with Black History Month.
This project is in partnership with the Friends of Crystal Palace Park, the Nubian Jak Community Trust (whose special blue plaque scheme highlights the historic contributions of Black and minority ethnic people to British culture) and with the kind support of Island Records and the London Borough of Bromley.
What we'll deliver
- Manufacture, install and unveil a permanent blue plaque commemorating Bob Marley & the Wailers at Crystal Palace.
Why it's a great idea
Crystal Palace Park is one of South London's largest and most popular green spaces. It has an extraordinary and unrivalled history, with live music playing an important part.
We believe commemorating this hugely significant musical and cultural moment with a permanent landmark, will help tell the story to locals, visitors and all park users alike.
By engaging with the Crystal Palace community to help fund the project, while sharing their memories and recollections of the concert itself, we hope to make everyone proud of the remarkable musical legacy on our own doorstep!
Steps to get it done
- June 2020 - Project and crowdfunding campaign launch to coincide with 40th Anniversary date.
- July 2020 - Crowdfunding campaign closes.
- August 2020 - Finalising details with relevant park stakeholders, manufacture of plaque.
- October 2020 - Proposed plaque unveiling ceremony at Crystal Palace Bowl, coinciding with Black History Month.
