AN upcoming event at a historic Harwich venue will celebrate music and the spoken word while honouring the memory of a beloved artist and campaigner.

Taking place at the Electric Palace on April 25,  Love, Peace and Anarchy will commemorate the life of dub poet, actor, musician and activist Benjamin Zephaniah, who died last December.

Harwich singer, artist and writer Jimbino Vegan, who currently lives and works in New Orleans, conceived the event with retired youth charity worker and Electric Palace volunteer Sarah Davies.

In addition, the night will feature 67xNaked, a jazz band from Finland.

The group comprises Philip Holm on contra bass, Tomi Kettunen guitar, Alm Er Gnista, percussion, spoken word poetry and improvised theatre, and Jimbino on clarinet, sax and vocals.

Sarah, who will serve as compère for the event met Benjamin multiple times socially and through her work at charity Futureversity in Tower Hamlets, of which he was a patron.

She will also introduce a special guest Kadija George Sesay, the Sierra Leonian/British scholar, literary activist, anthologist and essayist to speak at the commemoration. 

Kadija was co-writing a book with Benjamin when he died.

Jimbino, Sarah and Kadija will also recite some of Benjamin’s work.

Simon Ashley, chair of live music at the Electric Palace, said: “There are a number of events being planned throughout country to celebrate the life and work of Benjamin Zephaniah and we are delighted the Electric Palace will be one of the first of these.

“It is going to be an inspirational, uplifting and entertaining evening for all ages.”

Tickets are £8 or £6 for concessions and are available in advance from electricpalace.com.

The tribute begins at 7.30pm.