Kirstyfest 2008

I went along to Soho Square with Chris today to attend the seventh Kirstyfest, a celebration of the life and music of Kirsty MacColl. Kirsty died in a diving accident in December 2000 off the coast of Cozumel in Mexico and her mother, Jean, set up the Justice for Kirsty Campaign to seek a full investigation of the accident and appropriate legal action taken. Every year since then, fans of Kirsty gather at the bench dedicated to her in Soho Square, remember her and then go to a local hostelry to raise a glass to her memory. Chris is one of the original fans who raised the funding for the bench and kicked the whole thing off.

I became a fan of Kirsty with the release of the 'Kite' album in 1989 and have fond memories of Kirsty's version of 'Days', the lead single from the album. I knew about the earlier releases and work with Tracy Ullman, but wouldn't say I was a fan until 'Kite'. She had a lovely voice and wrote great songs and, of course, sings with The Pogues on that eternal Christmas song, 'Fairytale Of New York'. One of her most enduring songs is 'Soho Square' in which she sings about an empty park bench in the square, hence the reason for the bench and meeting in the square on the Sunday closest to her birthday each year.

It's both a sad get together and a happy one, smiles and laughter and a small tear, thinking of a life cut short. Jean was there along with Kirsty's sons, and they came along for a drink afterwards. The event is organised by Claire these days and a good thing she's made of it too. We took over the function room of the Spice of Life pub, set up with mics and amplifiers, Kirsty's songs playing in the background and, every so often, people getting up to play and sing Kirsty songs. People turn up form all over the world, from as far afield as San Francisco. Four women from Norway turned up to sing Kirsty songs that they'd translated into Norwegian and they did a very atmospheric version of 'Angel', one of my favourite songs - if it was available I'd certainly pay to download their version. There was a very good turn out and the room was packed - it must've been very good business for the pub on an otherwise quiet Sunday.

It says a lot about Kirsty that nearly eight years after her death her fans and admirers still make the effort to get together to celebrate her life, in, it seems judging by today, increasing numbers. I was heartened to see a lot of young faces there today along with the older stalwarts, which suggests that she's still attracting new fans. Music can touch us all in different ways and Kirsty's music is often the sound of fun and joy as well as sadness and thoughtfulness.

Alegria Alegria, happiness and joy ...