Vegan Environmental Awards 008

Organised by Yaoh

Sponsored by VeggieVision

Inspired by PeaPR

Nominations

8 Best Vegan Entertainers

Anyone who has been to any of the vegan fayres around the UK in the last couple of years may well be familiar with some of these names, and one or two are global, too. The vegan issues are very serious so it really helps that there are so many people to assist in not taking ourselves too seriously - some of these are just born entertainers. Some are mad as hatters, and some are definitely Dagenham East (several stops past Barking) some are surprisingly normal, and some are just pure genius. All are extremely talented, and importantly, very entertaining. And all of them are vegan.

• Rubber Ritchie - Contortionist: Absolutely excellent stuff from this very bendy and highly entertaining fella who can literally tie himself up in knots. Ever present member of the BVF team with an unparalleled 6 straight appearances on the trot. Perfectionist, revolutionist juxtapositionist, occasional bassist, exhibitionist extraordinaire, 21 st century Victorian. Jo and Rose (my 6 year old nephew and 5 year old niece) are huge Rubber Ritchie fans and will undoubtedly be voting for him several times. www.flexinthecity.com
• David Straightjacket - Escapologist: Very brave man who can walk on glass, amongst other things. Also perfectly capable of escaping from straitjackets, chains, ropes and other stuff whilst wrapped in a big plastic bag with all the air taken out of it, before turning blue, as he vividly demonstrated at the BVF 07. Holder of many world records, TV appearances and the like, more fame beckons for this 21 st century Houdini www.davidescapes.com
• Wonderpig: quite amazing vegan cartoon superhero who is now available in print. Wonderpig appeared live at the BVF 07 and is due back in 008, as well as making several appearances around the country in between. Once resplendent in full garb including cape and mask, Wonderpig is slightly reminiscent of an ageing semi retired detective from a 70's TV Show - think Dennis Waterman in New Tricks. He is in fact a Manchester City supporting vegan cartoon superhero, so mind your manners. Click here to view his exploits: www.bristolveganfayre.co.uk/wonderpig.htm
• Long John Tofu: Awesome creation from the marvellous Mr Tony Bishop Weston, this vegan pirate is often to be found at vegan fayres across the country generally talking much like a Pirate. He also does highly entertaining Cookery Demos in various guises (including the memorable 'Crepe Cuisine from Tony the Tosser' which proves beyond doubt that even vegans have an advanced sense of humour). Meanwhile other guises include PeaPR, Tony's vegan PR company, and FoodsFor Life, his vegan nutritionist thing that he does with his adorable wife Yvonne, and equally adorable nipper Johannes, one of the worlds original hemp milk babies. www.piratesofthecarobbean.com
• Benjamin Zephaniah: Guaranteed to thrill, this vegan poet/musician/activist is one of the best known in the country, having toured his work constantly for the best part of 30 years. He was a legend back in 1981 when I first heard of him, and he still is today. Probably walk away with this one like he did in 007 so don't be shy to vote for someone else instead! www.benjaminzephaniah.com
• Robbie and Sally McMagic: Wonderful couple who turn up at loads of vegan events to entertain the nippers with their face paining, magic shoes and extreme costumes. We are very fond of these two and thrilled to welcome them back to the BVF 08. Please view their website through sunglasses as Robbie's costume is exceptionally bright www.robbiemcmagic.co.uk
• VeganBodybuilders: The VeganBodybuilders have been regulars at the main vegan events for the last 5 years, and usually run a competition of some sort, all if which are highly entertaining, especially since the legendary Maz 'The Gob' joined the show as the MC. The annual Xmas Without Cruelty press up competition has been the highlight of the year now for the VeganBodybuilders, with controversy over the winner overshadowing the 2007 competition which was brilliant. Respect to Pete for keeping the flag flying, meanwhile VeganBodybuilder Robbie Hazeley continues to uber impress in a string of Mr Universes, Mr World's, Mr Uk's etc. www.veganbodybuilding.org
• Jeremy Leveller: Jeremy has been vegan/veggie for a long as anyone can remember, and that includes 20 years at the top as bass guitarist for the Levellers, who still ram the place at  festivals and on tour. With his distinctive dreadlocks and mad antics on stage, plus some surging bass riffs that drive the crowd into a wild frenzy on countless occasions, Jeremy and The Levellers are superbly entertaining and regularly sell out wherever they play. Jeremy has never been shy to air his vegan outlook on life too, including helping Viva! with their campaigns. Top drawer.’

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