Teddy Rocks Festival in Dorset raises funds with weekend music event.
Dorset recently experienced a weekend filled with powerful music and meaningful fundraising during the annual Teddy Rocks Festival. The event, held at Charisworth Farm near Blandford from May 1 to 3, gathered music enthusiasts and families to support children in their battle against cancer.
The festival featured a diverse lineup of acts, many of which paid tribute to prominent figures in the music industry. Performances by Elvana, The Hoosiers, Viva La Vida, The Wurzels, The Sex Pistols Exposé, and Elliesax created an energetic atmosphere for attendees to enjoy.
The inception of the Teddy Rocks Festival can be traced back to 2011 when it started as a small fundraising gig to support Teddy20, a children’s cancer charity founded by Tom Newton and his family. The charity was established following the loss of Tom’s 10-year-old brother, Ted, to an exceptionally rare form of bone cancer. Reflecting on the festival’s growth and impact, Tom remarked on the remarkable progress made from raising a mere £400 at a small gig to orchestrating a remarkable festival that has raised over £250,000 to date. Tom expressed deep gratitude to the festival’s generous and committed supporters, highlighting their invaluable contributions to improving the lives of hundreds of children battling cancer and advancing the fight against this disease.
Despite the challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic, the Teddy Rocks Festival managed to raise a substantial £60,000 in 2022. Over the years, the festival has experienced significant growth, culminating in raising £107,000 in 2019 and evolving into a comprehensive, multi-stage event with camping facilities by 2026.
The community spirit and dedication of supporters have been instrumental in propelling the Teddy Rocks Festival to its current success. Bringing together music, entertainment, and a common cause, the festival continues to make a meaningful impact in the fight against children’s cancer. The Teddy Rocks Festival stands as a testament to resilience, solidarity, and the power of music to unite individuals in support of a vital cause.