Fun, food and fireworks will provide the backdrop for the return of a popular charity music festival near Stratford this summer.
Stratfest, at Stratford Park Hotel & Golf Club on August 9th, will once again lend its stage to a host of talented local musicians while also raising money for south Warwickshire 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, head the impressive line-up which will culminate with a spectacular fireworks finale lighting up the skies at 10pm. Other acts include Frazer Lepford, performing Indie and Rock; Jake Rees, performing Classical and Pop; guitarist Luke Brougham playing Spanish/Latino and Country; Rock Pop duo The Tickets and Pop vocalist Honor Isabella.
The hotel’s co-owner and General Manager Beverley Haynes, said: “This is the second year we have staged this fantastic event which promises to have something for everyone, with a fantastic line-up of local musical talent keeping the crowds entertained and plenty of fun activities for the whole family. So there’s plenty to keep the younger festival-goers entertained, allowing the adults to properly relax and soak up the festival atmosphere.
“And all in the added knowledge that they are adding to the coffers of an incredible local charity such as Molly Ollys, helping them maintain their work supporting as many children and families as they can across the country.”
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. As well as providing more than 4,300 wishes to date, they donate therapeutic toys and books to both children directly and to hospitals throughout the UK.
A set of books from the charity’s exclusive Olly The Brave series and the lion have now been handed out to more than 70 hospitals or health centres to distribute to children undergoing treatment. Olly has his own Hickman line and a detachable mane which helps to explain and normalise the effects of chemotherapy.
Part of more than £5m raised to date, has also been used to fund the first consultant in paediatric palliative medicine at Birmingham Children’s Hospital and pay for the training of a further two consultants.
Rachel Ollerenshaw said: “Molly Ollys are really looking forward to being a part of Stratfest this year. It will be a great day with lots going on and brilliant line up of local talent. Big thanks to all the team at Stratford Park Hotel for inviting us to join them and helping us to raise funds and awareness of our work to make the dark days brighter for children with life threatening illnesses.”
The festival starts at 2pm and is laying on a host of family activities including bouncy castle, bouncy slide, face painter and fun with Muddy Munchkins Playgroup, which is based in the grounds of the hotel. There will also be the chance to get your shopping fix at a range of artisan stalls.
The independent Stratford Park Hotel & Golf Club, which now has 32 bedrooms, was converted from a farmhouse and opened in 1993, alongside an 18-hole 72-par golf course, offering a range of visitor and guest packages. The adjacent Meadow Barn events venue is popular for bespoke weddings, surrounded by a private arrival courtyard with fountain and terrace seating.
Sponsors are also being sought for the event. Anyone interested is asked to contact Beverley at: beverley@thestratfordpark.co.uk
Tickets are £7 or £14 for a family of two adults and three children and can be purchased via HERE.
