Martin House children's hospice hosts music festival for young people
Boston Spa-based Martin House Children’s Hospice holds music festival
Young people with complex needs enjoyed bands, DJ sets and entertainment when Martin House Children’s Hospice hosted its annual special accessible music festival LodgeFest.
The Boston Spa-based hospice transformed its grounds into a festival site, with tepee, gaming tent, food stalls, glitter face painting and graffiti wall.
Vicki Greensmith, Director of Clinical Services at Martin House, said: “LodgeFest is all about giving the young people we support the chance to enjoy the same experiences as other teenagers and young adults – listening to live music, spending time with friends and simply having fun.
“For some, attending a mainstream festival can be difficult because of their medical or accessibility needs.
“At Martin House, we can create that experience in an environment where those needs are supported, so young people and their families can relax and enjoy the day together.”
Named after Martin House’s teenage and young adult unit the Lodge, the festival saw around 150 people attending, as young people and their families enjoyed music from local bands and DJs.
First run in 2017 as part of the hospice’s 30th anniversary celebrations, this year’s event had a video game theme.
Jayne Geall, whose daughters Lily-Rose and Tia have been supported by Martin House, said: “It’s brilliant, for children who can’t get to a normal festival, it means the world.
“There’s always so much going on – you can see the smiles on people’s faces. It’s the best experience.”
Each year, Martin House cares for around 550 children and young people with life-shortening conditions from across West, North and East Yorkshire, as well as supporting their families.
Tabea Powell, Head of Communications at HARIBO UK, which sponsored the event, said: “We’re delighted to support LodgeFest and see first-hand an experience where the young people supported by Martin House are able to make special memories with those closest to them.
“Creating moments of happiness for families is something that sits at the heart of both HARIBO and Martin House, and it’s why our partnership has remained so important to us over the past 18 years.
“We’re incredibly proud to continue supporting the hospice and the children, young people and families it cares for.”