The Brightside Festival, which raised £4,618 for Breast Cancer Haven, Hereford and Macmillan Cancer Support last summer, is set to return on the 20 June 2020.
The Brightside Festival is held in honour of local Herefordshire woman Karen King, who was first diagnosed with breast cancer in February 2014 and died in December 2018.
Following Karen’s death, her family and friends were keen to celebrate her life in a way that reflected her personality. Karen’s husband Mike King, together with close friends Damian Davies, Lucy Wells and others, created The Brightside Festival – a day of music, food, fun and games.
Mike said: “Karen loved music, dancing and festivals in particular so the Brightside Festival became the obvious way to gather friends and family to celebrate her life. Karen was determined not to be a victim of cancer, continuing her life with energy and enthusiasm as long as she could. She was greatly supported by both the Macmillan / NHS team at the Renton Unit and Breast Cancer Haven, Hereford; we are delighted that the profit from Brightside can help this great work to continue.”
The Brightside Festival 2019 was held at a farm in Ashperton. Headliners included Definitely Britpop and the Blur tribute act Blury, plus 50s and 60s hits from The Mustangs. There was street food, a bar, children’s activities, a raffle, and fun and games. Many festival goers camped and kept the festivities going well into the night.
The event was sponsored by Hereford Galvanisers and all money raised was shared equally between Breast Cancer Haven, Hereford and Macmillan Cancer Support.
Di Emmett, Centre Manager of Breast Cancer Haven, Hereford said: “Karen always amazed me with her tenacity and zest for life. She didn’t have time for breast cancer, even when diagnosed with secondary breast cancer. She was always so energetic, embraced life and never complained. She had a passion for football and her family and friends were always her priority. I consider myself very fortunate to have known Karen and treasure the conversations we had together. This kind donation will go on to help other women diagnosed with breast cancer, providing support, both mentally and physically, through treatment and beyond.”
Jemma Luker, Macmillan Cancer Support Fundraising Manager said: “It was fantastic to meet Mike and hear about the Brightside Festival that was held earlier this year. This fantastic donation from Mike will go towards supporting Macmillan staff at the Macmillan Renton Unit at Hereford County Hospital, enabling staff to continue supporting people with cancer to find their best way through and to live life as fully as they can.”
