Festival will leave a lasting legacy for city (From Worcester News)

Festival will leave a lasting legacy for city

5:10pm Thursday 7th October 2010 in News By Lauren Rogers, @laurenrogersWN #WENews

MUSIC lovers helped raise more than £5,000 for charity.

Thousands of people took part in this year’s Worcester Music Festival, and while the gigs themselves were free, bands and gig-goers bought raffle tickets, picked up souvenirs and put their spare change into collection pots.

The result was a grand total of £5,470. The money is being split between two good causes, Worcester Wheels and Worcester Snoezelen Centre.

“We’re incredibly happy to have raised so much for our chosen charities, particularly in the current economic climate,” said Brian Hoggard, co-chairman of the three-day festival in August.

“Last year’s festival raised a grand total of £4,000 and to have smashed this total this year really shows the generosity of Worcester people. Many volunteers were involved but particular thanks must go to Simonne Heslip and Nikki Boraston who worked tirelessly throughout the weekend.”

Hedley Burton, Worcester Wheels community transport co-ordinator, said the money would be put towards the purchase of a new vehicle to provide door-to-door transport for the elderly and disabled.

“We’d like to say thank you very much,” said Mr Burton.

“When you see our new MPV around town, you’ll know that you helped to get it on the road.”

Echoing his sentiments, Jane Roberts, project manager at Worcester Snoezelen, said: “This sort of fund-raising is invaluable to keep our charity going.

“The sum raised will be put towards our own music service where people who have complex disabilities are able to make music through technology, along with non-disabled musicians. From everyone at Snoezelen, here is a great big thank you.”

Next year’s Worcester Music Festival will run from Friday to Sunday, August 19-21. Anyone interested in getting involved should e-mail info@worcestermusicfestiv al.co.uk.