A local music festival established in memory of a Somerset father who died by suicide will return for what organisers say will be its final year this summer.
KeithFest, organised by Yvette and Paul Bowler and their son Daniel, takes place at Henstridge Airfield on 24th and 25th July. Since it began, the family has used the event to raise awareness of suicide prevention while supporting organisations that provide fast access to counselling. This year’s festival will again donate its profits to BADCO (The Brave and Determined Company) and Got Your Six: two local charities offering mental health support, including specialist services for the armed forces community.
Keith was 35 when he died in August 2018, leaving behind family, friends and a young daughter.
Yvette said: ‘We tried so hard to get help, but there wasn’t any when we needed it. That’s why supporting organisations that can provide counselling quickly means so much to us.’
The family hope KeithFest will encourage people to talk openly about mental health and seek support before reaching crisis point.
Alongside live music on both days, the festival will include camping, street food, family entertainment, children’s activities, axe throwing, archery, stalls and wellbeing attractions.
Tickets are £35 for adults, including camping, with one accompanying child admitted free. More information is available at keithfest.co.uk.
The Dorset Life Community News section is sponsored by Wessex Internet
