Music festival could be biggest yet

PREPARATIONS are well underway for the biggest ever Kesgrave Music Festival.

The annual popular event, organised to raise money for St Elizabeth Hospice, is being staged for a third time.

Thousands of music fans and families are expected to turn out for the circus-themed event on Saturday, August 9, at the Kesgrave Community Centre fields, where they can expect more bands and a larger stage.

Last year's event attracted 4,500 people and raised an impressive £18,500 for the hospice, so it is hoped with increased numbers, this amount will be topped.

The festival is held in memory of Kesgrave woman Kate Moyes, who died from cancer in 2005. Friends and family decided to set up an event to raise money for the hospice, where Kate spent a brief spell.

Debbie McCallum, landlady of the Bell Inn pub in Kesgrave, said: “The first and second year was a great success. It is a great tribute to Kate.

“We rely on generous donations from businesses, and individuals, because as the event grows, it's going to cost more to put it on.

“We have always made it our mission that on the day, all the costs will be covered, so that the money we collect on the day goes straight to the hospice.”

As it is a circus theme, jugglers and clowns are invited to come and join in the fun, and will get into the festival for free.

Ipswich Building Society is the main stage sponsor, but there are still opportunities to get involved in sponsorship if businesses are interested.

Fundraising events planned include an Easter Egg hunt on Easter Sunday, a race night on March 13, and a casino night on March 17.

For details about the events or to help with sponsorship, call Debbie on 01473 622045.

Are you holding a fundraising event in memory of a loved one? Write to Your Letters, Evening Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich, IP4 1AN, or e-mail eveningstarletters@eveningstar.co.uk