Hello and Welcome to Barking Bateria, East London's own fusion of samba, drumming, dancing, contemporary music and drunken idiocy!

		First formed in September 1996 by two Anthropology lecturers at University of East London, the band has gone from strength to strength being a very audible addition to many events and protests across London and the South East over the last nine years, and has spawned at least two other bands, including the veritably pink and silver Rhythms of Resistance.
		As a University based band we have seen over the years a HUGE number of both players and mestres (thats the guy (or gal) up the front running round like an idiot frantically blowing whistle and waving their hands about), but none have been as instrumental as Fred Turuka, one of the oldest members, creator of at least six other samba bloco's and trustee at the world famous London School of Samba. Seriously, this guy is so samba crazy its a wonder he evermanages to actually meet people.
		Over the years we have been involved in many and varied events and interesting situations, played on beaches and benches, Masquerade and Moulin Rouge, we've chased Alice down the rabbit hole and come out the other side smiling, occupied a university, fought for justice, equality and hippydom, marched through rain and snow, and welcome the sun each year at Stonehenge by order of King Arthur himself. Infact, it would probably be easier to say what we haven't done.