LOCAL FESTIVAL PLANTS ‘LASTING MEMORIES OF LAKEFEST’ TIME CAPSULE TO SUPPORT CHARITY
Lakefest 2014 has been rounded off nicely by planting the ‘Lasting memories of Lakefest’ time capsule which was filled at this year’s festival in support of Acorns Children’s Hospice.
The family friendly festival planted eight oak trees earlier in the year to mark 100 days until the 2014 festival and to mark the support for local charity Acorns; the time capsule was planted in the middle of these trees which is known as the ‘heart of the festival’ on Tuesday 2nd September.
Mandie Fitzgerald, Acorns community fundraising officer and Martin Newell, Lakefest organiser helped bury the time capsule which was filled with messages from Lakefester’s containing their memories of the festival and some messages for the future which were written for a small donation to Acorns. A child wrote a message saying how they hoped Lakefest would still be on when the time capsule is dug up in years to come. The box also included a Lakefest 2014 jug, Lakefest wristbands and tickets, paintings created by some Acorns children, and some items from a few of the stalls that were popular at this year’s festival including a flower head band. The local festival took place 8th-10th August at Croft Farm waterpark in Tewkesbury and was a huge success that saw 4,000 visitors.
2014 marks Lakefest’s fourth year. The annual family friendly music festival looks to support a charity every year. This year Lakefest supported Acorns Children’s Hospice; the organisation provides care and support for life limited children and their families. Its three hospices around the Midlands rely on donations and sponsors for the majority of their income.
Acorns Children’s Hospice had a stand at the festival where they were able to raise awareness about the work they do for children and families. It was here where Lakefest attendees could contribute their memories into the time capsule. Acorns also ran a tombola to help raise funds. Some of the Acorns families attended the weekend and joined in with the music and activities at Croft Farm.
Mandie Fitzgerald, community fundraising manager for Acorns in the Three Counties, said: “We were delighted to be one of the chosen charities for this year’s festival. The time capsule and oak trees underline both the organiser’s and festival-goers’ generous support and it’s fantastic that this will be remembered for many years to come.”
Lakefest Organiser, Lee Martin said “We are proud that both the oak trees and the time capsule will be part of the future and will remain as a legacy to Lakefest and the children and families that Acorns has supported. It’s fantastic that some of the families came and experienced Lakefest and I am happy that we could help support the charity.”
For further information on Acorns Children’s Hospice and for details on donating please visit www.acorns.org.uk.