Festival’s £16k for good causes

THE organisers of Kingskerswell’s Summer Moon Festival have donated £16,400 to 37 local charities and good causes from the proceeds of the beer and music festival held in June.

This brings the total donated over 11 years to £134,000.

Summer Moon committee members and representatives of the various charities receiving donations gathered in Kingskerswell Parish Church for a presentation of £16,400 raised from the June 2018 festival.

The chairman of the annual festival, Tony Johnson, presented the cheques and said that the amount donated is considerably more than after previous events because the festival was even more successful than usual this year.

Tony said that this was due to a number of factors. The main reason was the huge number of loyal festival visitors who came to enjoy themselves in the warm sunny weather and hap- pily spent freely on behalf of charity.

Tony added that the Night at the Proms concert which is held at the start of the festival had been a sell-out success and there was a significant increase in generous sponsors this year which helped to keep costs down.

Tony said that the festival trustees had decided to give money to a wide range of local charities and good causes: children’s groups, organisations for disabled and disadvantaged people, village events, the homeless and sick, plus an animal sanctuary.

Tony Johnson thanked members of the Committee for all their hard work and commitment in organising the 2018 Festival. Tony also thanked over 80 generous sponsors and advertisers; 17 bands and the Torbay Symphony Orchestra; more than 70 enthusiastic volunteer bar staff; countless helpers for the gate, assembly and dismantling of the festival facilities and the loyal banksman.

He said that, without all these fantastic people, the festival could not go ahead. Sponsors and advertisers are encouraged to come forward to support the festival next year and new bar staff are also welcome.

Next year’s Summer Moon Festival is being held on June 20 to 22, 2019, starting with the ever popular “Night at the Proms” concert on Thursday, June 20, and the main beer and music event on Friday, June 21, and Saturday, June 22. Whatever the weather, the festival goes ahead as there are two huge marquees for the beer and entertainment.

Tony emphasised that the festival is organised by and for the village and the aim is to make it as friendly and relaxed as possible. It is definitely the place to be with your family and friends over the summer solstice weekend.