EX-MAYOR and now independent town councillor for Frome, Pippa Goldfinger, took part in the opening panel discussion on the Left Field stage at Glastonbury Festival this year.
Under the title ‘Vinceremos’ (‘together we will win’), representatives from Spain’s Podemos, Greece’s Syriza, Scotland’s Radical Independence Campaign and Frome’s own IfF group, debated the merits of home-grown democratic movements.
Chaired by Frome-based Guardian journalist, John Harris, the discussion drew a large crowd of festival goers.
Councillor Goldfinger commented afterwards, “While the struggles faced by the people of Frome are not as dramatic as those of our Mediterranean counterparts there were similarities in our approaches.
“A belief that people want to and are capable of governing themselves at a more local level, a weariness with outdated political parties and bureaucratic systems which seem unresponsive and even undemocratic and a optimism that in the face of harsh political and economic times, people are coming together to help each other, which was truly inspiring.
“It was also thoroughly refreshing to be on an all-female panel. All the speakers listened carefully to the points made by others and there was no grandstanding or sabre-rattling. If only Westminster could be this informal, passionate, good-humoured and fun!”
Famous for its mixture of ‘pop and politics’ at the festival, Left Field this year also featured Charlotte Church, Pussy Riot, Shappi Khorsandi and festival stalwart Billy Bragg.
Pippa Goldfinger is an independent Frome Town Councillor for the Keyford Ward.
