UK: The Felix Festival, a live music event that fundraises thousands of pounds for those affected by military and police careers in bomb disposal, is returning by popular demand on September 16 at Silchester in Hampshire.
The music event, organised on behalf of the charity Felix Fund which provides financial and wellbeing support to Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) personnel, is this year hoped to raise £30k — surpassing the £25k raised at Felix Festival 2015.
In the 18 months since that first-ever Felix Festival, the charity has used the proceeds to support those facing extreme difficulty in the EOD community. Amputees, for example, have received funding toward specialist mobility vehicles, complicated surgery and home adaptations.
Melanie Moughton, Chief Executive of Felix Fund, said: “Felix Festival is undoubtedly the biggest fundraising event in our calendar this year. Our public supporters keep our charity alive, and the great thing about Felix Festival is that it allows us to give something in return. For anyone who loves the small festival atmosphere, this is a must.”
Tickets are available here.
If the charity can meet its £30k target, more families who live with the inherent threats associated with EOD can be supported in challenging circumstances. Previously, Felix Fund’s grants have even helped EOD families with children suffering life-limiting conditions like cystic fibrosis; the funds greatly improved overall quality of life.
Acts scheduled to perform at Felix Festival include Drop the Fish, The Anthemics, and DJ Nashville. There will also be hot-food catering (cash only) and a full bar open from 5pm – 2:30am. The festival is for over 18s only. Free camping and parking are available.
Felix Fund delivers welfare and financial support to those who have served, are serving or will serve in Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) and related search duties.
The charity’s welfare activities focus on mental health support. Having played a significant part in the care of over 100 EOD teams returning from the Afghanistan conflict, now the charity offers Dashboard Courses on mindfulness, building awareness of the warning signs linked to mental health problems and sharing coping techniques.
The charity’s financial support meets the needs of individuals and families at the most difficult times. Transportation to regular hospital appointments, adapted disability equipment and funeral costs have all been provided to help ease the pressures inherent in some of life’s most challenging and complex circumstances.
