Record amount raised for Somerset charity at this year’s Home Farm Fest

image007This year’s Home Farm Fest was a resounding success, breaking records for the second year running in terms of the amount raised for the Piers Simon Appeal, the charity behind the event.

The total amount raised from the 2014 event came in at an impressive £27,418. Ticket sales alone were up more than 30% on 2013, which was itself a record-breaking year, proving that the family-friendly festival is growing in popularity year-on-year.

More than 50 bands and artists performed over the three day event, from Friday 6th to Sunday 8th June, which took place in the stunning fields and orchards around the charity’s base in Chilthorne Domer near Yeovil.

image008Charity Liaison Officer, Luke Simon, says: “Home Farm Fest 9 was undoubtedly the biggest and most successful festival yet! We had high quality bands and great entertainment, as well as introducing some new features this year including a fourth music venue and a new layout for the Kid’s Field and Funzone. There was a wonderful atmosphere throughout the weekend and we’ve had such positive feedback from the bands and festival-goers alike.

“The backing we receive from local businesses and volunteers is what makes it all possible, so huge thanks must go to them for all their efforts and support. To break all previous records on the amount raised is a phenomenal achievement. The money will be used to fund stock for more than 1,800 SchoolBags that will be sent to help underprivileged children around the world.”

image009Home Farm Fest raises money for Somerset disaster relief charity the Piers Simon Appeal and its ‘School in a Bag’ initiative, which provides rucksacks full of stationery, learning resources and eating utensils to poor, orphan and disaster-affected children. So far it has helped over 46,000 vulnerable children and the money raised over the Home Farm Fest weekend will help the charity continue its life-changing work around the world.

Photo 1: Lucinda Langdon from BA22 on the Dutch Barn Stage at Home Farm Fest 9
Photo 2: Festival-goers enjoy the sunshine at Home Farm Fest 9
Photo 3: The Lost Cavalry performing in the Folkroom Stage at Home Farm Fest 9

Photos courtesy of Jenny Hardy