Kicking off this weekend at The Drum, in Birmingham, UK is Commedia ?99. This is the 16th annual festival to be held in Birmingham and includes: key speakers and workshops on crucial issues for community radio, TV and multimedia on the internet, practical workshops in digital media and, of course, live entertainment. The Community Media Association’s festival is recognised within the sector as THE event of the year and once again the festival includes some of the key decision makers in community media.Nkopane Maphire from the National Community Radio Forum joins the event from South Africa as well as Councillor Andy Howell as keynote speakers. Workshops focusing on local television, radio technology and community Internet networks are led by industry leaders. And to kick it all off on Friday night we have internationally renowned jazz Musician Andy Hamilton playing live at the venue. Power to the people.