HUNDREDS of festival-goers enjoyed fun, food and fireworks at a community music festival in Stratford.
More than 600 people soaked up the sun and the sounds of local musicians for the second Stratfest, hosted by Stratford Park Hotel and Golf Club on Saturday (August 9).
The event raised more than £1,000 for Warwick-based children’s charity Molly Ollys.
Rock and Roll party cover band Bands Texan Peacocks, from Stratford, and No Direction, a rock and pop cover band from Snitterfield, headed the impressive line-up. Other acts included Frazer Lepford, Jake Rees, guitarist Luke Brougham, rock pop duo The Tickets and pop vocalist Honor Isabella.
The hotel’s co-owner and general manager Beverley Haynes, said: “We are still on a high from Saturday after welcoming hundreds of people to The Stratford Park Hotel and Golf Club for Stratfest.
“We created Stratfest because Stratford deserved its own festival organised by a local family business where our incredible local musicians could connect with their community and experience playing in a festival environment with professional sound, lighting and staging.
“Too often, festivals are priced out of reach for ordinary families, but we believe music should be accessible to everyone – and by bringing together our fantastic local business community as sponsors – and with ticket sales, we can cover the festival costs and maintain these affordable prices.
“We were proud to be raising awareness and funds for local charity, Molly Olly’s, also while creating a true family-friendly celebration that brings neighbours together. The guests at the festival generously donated to the charity on the day.”
Rachel Ollerenshaw established Molly Ollys with husband Tim in 2011, following the death of their eight-year-old daughter Molly from a rare kidney cancer.
The Warwick-based charity works to support children with terminal or life-limiting illnesses and their families and help with their emotional wellbeing.
Rachel added: “It was a privilege to be Stratfest’s chosen charity on Saturday and as expected, the event didn’t disappoint. From incredible music to wonderful food, and from family fun to the spectacular fireworks finale, it was great for Molly Ollys to be part of something that has become a firm favourite on the Stratford events calendar. And the glorious weather proved to be a real bonus, no doubt boosting turnout.”
