KESGRAVE: All the bands are booked, the finishing touches are being put in place and the organisers of this year’s Kesgrave Music Festival can today announce ALL the money raised will go to charity.

At a successful auction evening earlier this month, people dug deep to secure some of the top draws donated by local businesses – raising �3,200 to pay for staging the event.

It means all money raised on the day from ticket sales will go to St Elizabeth Hospice in memory of Kate Moyes, who died after a battle with an aggressive form of cancer in August 2005.

One of the organisers, Debbie McCallum, landlady at The Bell pub in Main Road, said they are delighted that the event, being held on Saturday, August 7, is now completely paid for.

“I can’t believe the generosity of people, there is a recession going on and still people, who are having to watch how they spend every penny, are digging deep and supporting charities.

“We can’t thank those who donated the wonderful lots for the auction evening enough, and a big thank you to everyone who came along.

“And a special thanks to Mick Chapman from Ipswich Wines and Beers who responded to the article in The Evening Star and was our fantastic auctioneer for the night.”

In the last four years, the event has raised more than �60,000 for St Elizabeth Hospice, where Kate was cared for.

This year, volunteers from EDF Energy Networks will once again be out in force.The firm is providing back-up electricity generators as well as sponsoring the event.

And around 20 employees, from engineers to customer service advisors and managers, will be acting as marshals to help the day run smoothly. Mrs McCallum added: “The festival could not take place without the fantastic support of local businesses and the community.

“The EDF Energy Networks volunteers never let us down and always do a fantastic job with a smile on their faces.

“We really would be stuck without their help.”

Last year, 4.500 people attended and helped to raise �13,000 for St Elizabeth Hospice and �1,000 for East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices.

This year’s music festival is taking place on the community centre fields in Kesgrave from 11.45am.

n For information and to buy tickets in advance, visit www.kesgravemusicfestival.com.