Mini music festival a big success for charities

Published on 07 Sep 2016

Young people in from Telford and Penkridge have raised almost £500.00 for their chosen charities through a series of fundraising activities culminating in a live mini-music festival.

Fifteen young people came together through the National Citizen Service, a programme open to 15-17 year-olds across England and Wales.

Thanks to exploits ranging from a cake sale and garden makeover to mini music festival, the group have raised vital funds to be split between The Severn Hospice and The Starlight Children's Foundation.

"Both charities do incredible work and are close to the members of our group," said Lee Gunter, one of fifteen young people who hosted the inaugural Penkridge Mini-Music Festival at the Cross Keys, Penkridge.

"After only two weeks of fundraising we have raised more than £450! We brought together a number of acts from both Telford and Penkridge, who volunteered to give up a few hours of their time to perform, as well as hosting a bouncy castle and karaoke."

A fortnight of fundraising saw the group brush up on their baking skills, making a variety of cakes that were sold to residents at local Pencric Retirement Living.

The group had earlier transformed the overgrown gardens at the complex, clearing a path for elderly residents to enjoy the remainder of the summer.

Abbie Milford is one of the teenagers involved in the group.

She said: "The garden is looking great and we even plan to plant a rose bush there, as a way of saying thank you.

"We're really proud of everyone. We got the locals involved in the music festival was a massive success!

"The hard work has definitely paid off as all 15 of us are exhausted but truly lifted because of the important causes that will use our raised money to make a difference to people's lives."

Delivered in the region by employment and training experts, APM, NCS is an exciting programme open to all 16 and 17-year-olds in England and Wales.

Offered during spring, summer and autumn, NCS helps young people to build skills for work and life, take on new challenges and meet new friends.

Young people and their parents can register their interest today on www.ncsyes.co.uk.