About

John Ball Day is a celebration of one of Colchester's forgotten historical heroes. 640 years ago, Colchester priest John Ball was on Blackheath preaching to those gathering as part of the Peasants' Revolt about freedom and equality. It cost him his life.

John Ball Day features spoken word, talks, performances and live music, including three artists who have written original modern-day protest songs as part of the Rock N Ball project, led by the Human Rights Centre at Essex University.
 

John Ball Day – Bandstand, Castle Park, Colchester – July 10th 2021 

Programme of Acts/Speakers 

 

12pm - David Grocott: The legacy of John Ball  

 

Colchester historian and teacher David Grocott founded the John Ball Society in 2015 to raise the profile of the fourteenth century radical priest and to continue his message. As a fellow of the University of Essex Department of History David is currently researching for a PhD looking at how Ball was mythologised by the early English socialists to suggest a natural egalitarianism within authentic English identity whereas in Ireland Ball was viewed far more as part of an internationalist struggle. 

 

12.30pm - Bowie Bartlett (Rock n Ball) 

 

Inheriting a love of classic indie / alternative rock bands - (such as Radiohead and The Libertines) - from her parents and combining it with a love of jazz (Amy Winehouse). Bowie has played numerous gigs in and out of Colchester, both solo and with her upcoming bands. 

 

1pm - Martin Watson 

 

Singer/Guitar Player, Preacher, Worship Leader, Petrolhead, Husband, Dad and Teacher. Martin’s teenage years were at Walmer in Kent during the miners strike that destroyed the local pits of Bettshanger and Tilmanstone. If he is lucky he will try and drag some willing friends to join in. 

 

1.30pm - Lawrence Walker: Black History Month and why Minorities still face injustice today. 

 

American Expat, Lawrence Walker has lived in the UK for the past 30 years, working as a community activist with several BAME support organisations and community groups in Colchester and the rest of the region. The chairperson of Colchester Black History Month for the past 15 years, he talks about why BHM is more important than ever. 

 

2pm - Equality: That was Then, This is Now! Philip Morant School and College Drama and Dance Department

 

The school and college's department has built up a great reputation for its extra-curricular activities and opportunities for all students, with lunchtime clubs running most days, after school rehearsals for full scale productions/performances and opportunities to perform in outside professional venues.

 

 2.30pm - Rosalind Harniess (Rock n Ball) 

 

Rosalind has been writing songs for eight years, mainly influenced by songwriters of the 60s and 70s (particularly Paul Simon, Carole King and James Taylor). She says of the Rock n Ball Project ‘Writing a modern-day protest song has been a completely new challenge for me, and the process has made me much more aware of human rights issues and how to incorporate those messages in to my music’.  

 

3pm - The Jewish Wife by Bertolt Brecht performed by Charlotte Luxford 

 

An award-winning actress from Colchester, some of Charlotte’s credits include In Search of England and Rabbit in theatre, to successful drama and comedy films, such as The Voice in the Head, It’s Not Custard and The Hut. 

 

3.30pm - Pam Cox: The Tolpduddle Martyrs: Essex Connections and Controversies 

 

Who were the Tolpuddle Martyrs and how did some of them end up in Essex? Historian and newly-elected local Labour councillor - Pam Cox - explores their story and suggests why it still matters today. 

 

4pm - Rev Simpkins 

 

Rev Simpkins is a musician and Anglican Priest with a passion for the long line of Essex Christian radicals that stretches from John Ball, through William Morris and Conrad Noel. Known to Colchester audiences as a bundle of raucous energy through his time in FuzzFace and Sons of Joy, the Rev’s latest album Big Sea received rave reviews and was chosen by Louder Than War as one of their albums of 2020. 

 

4.30pm - Rick Dove 

 

London based poet whose work draws narratives from wide influences, always taking a keen interest in both societal and personal change, and how these cardinal forces interact as we grow. His debut full collection looking at social justice and intersections of identity, ‘Tales From the Other Box’, was published by Burning Eye Books in 2020. 

 

5pm - Shar Cooterie 

 

As the world’s first food baby that was carried to term, Shar is the UK’s Premiere Drag Piglet. Serving up a little sweet, a little sour, a little sass and a lot of power, she hopes you savour her unique flavour of honey roast glam. 

 

5.30pm - Polly Haynes (Rock n Ball) 

 

Jazz-esc inspired songstress, with themes of political and social justice, love and loss and everything in-between. Thought provoking songs, played by herself or alongside her talented band, who together have shared line ups with the likes of Alanis Morrisette, Mavis Staples, 10cc, Jimmy Cliff and many other international artists. 

 

6pm - Finish