ONE OF the county’s most popular music festivals is returning to Upton-upon-Severn this summer.
Woo Fest will be held on Saturday, July 8 at The Drum and Monkey with all proceeds going to St Richard’s Hospice which provides specialist palliative care for patients living with life-limiting illnesses and supports their loved ones.
Now in its third year, the festival aims to be bigger and better than ever before.
The event will feature two separate stages with a continuous flow of music throughout the day from 12pm.
Organised by Luke Simons, his sister Ria, both of Northwick, and a committee of family members, the event was set up in memory of the siblings’ father John who was cared for by the hospice before he died in 2013 aged 66.
Luke said: “I have first-hand experience of St Richard’s after my Dad spent the last few days of his life there in 2013.
“No words can describe how the hospice helped him and my family.
“He had his own room, we could stay as long as we liked and even overnight.
“We played all his favourite music, watched cricket, spent time with him on his own private patio next to the pond and celebrated his granddaughter’s, my daughter’s, third birthday.
“During all of this, he also had amazing nursing care, as well as a hair cut and even a curry delivery.
“Once Dad had passed away, the care continued with the offer of counselling for as long as we wanted it.
“It is difficult to explain how much this all meant to us.
“Through the darkest of times we all had dignity, comfort, fun and laughter.”
This year the festival is hoping to attract up to 500 people and beat its fund-raising total from last year of more than £8,000.
There will be activities and events for both adults and children, including a music session run by The Worcester School of Rock and a flypast by a Second World War Lancaster Bomber.
Rachel Jones, fund-raising manager at St Richard’s Hospice said: “We would like to thank the organisers of Woo Fest for their dedicated support and continued generosity.
“The funds raised are absolutely vital in ensuring that we can continue to provide care for local families.
“This year’s festival looks set to be its best yet and we wish them all the best for a fun and successful day.”
The deadline for advanced tickets at just £15 is June 8.
Alternatively tickets can be bought for £20 after the deadline or £25 on the door.
Children under 14 gain entry of charge with an accompanying adult.
Optional pre-booked overnight camping is available at £7.50 per person.
To find out more about the event follow Woo Fest on Facebook or call 07740 061453.
