Teddy Rocks Festival has passed a remarkable fundraising milestone, raising more than £1 million for children with cancer since it began as a small charity gig in Blandford.
This year’s festival, held over the May Bank Holiday weekend at Charisworth Farm near Blandford, raised £185,000, taking the event’s lifetime total beyond the seven-figure mark.
image: Will Bailey Photography
The festival was founded by Tom Newton in memory of his brother Ted, who died from bone cancer aged 10. What started with a £400 fundraising concert at The Greyhound pub has grown into one of the South West’s best-loved independent festivals, attracting thousands of visitors while remaining true to its charitable purpose.
Tom Newton said reaching £1 million was ‘surreal’ and paid tribute to everyone who had helped make it possible.
‘This isn’t a pat on the back for us,’ he said. ‘It’s a huge thank you to every person who’s bought a ticket, volunteered, played on stage or supported the festival over the years. Every contribution has helped us reach this milestone.’
The money raised this year will support Teddy20, Young Lives vs Cancer, the Bone Cancer Research Trust, George’s Rockstars and Alfie’s Wish, helping to fund research, practical support and experiences for children and families affected by cancer.
This year also marked ten years since Teddy Rocks outgrew its original pub venue and moved to Charisworth Farm, where it has developed into a major family-friendly music festival while continuing to honour Ted’s memory and support children facing cancer.
