Rye Harvest Music Feastival – a day to remember

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A group of local musicians headed by Katie Lloyd joined together to raise funds for the Sussex Cancer Fund.

The event was held at the Rye Rugby Club and boasted 10 bands across two stages the Main SLM Toyota Stage and the acoustic Grandma’s Garden Stage

The ‘Feastival’ was a great success despite the onslaught of British weather. There was sunshine, there was rain and oh yes there was wind! In true ‘the show must go on’ spirit there was performing and dancing in the rain and the marquees had to be dismantled before they blew away but a good time was had by all.

Caroline

Katie decided to create the event when her friend Caroline was diagnosed with a brain tumour. Much of the Feastival was video streamed live to Caroline so she could watch and be part of the day despite being too poorly to attend.

Caroline

Friends describe Caroline as an avid Status Quo fan, that is the life and soul of any party going! Caroline suddenly suffered some seizures last year at work where she was an Ambulance driver for East Sussex Ambulance Service. After tests, it was concluded she had a brain tumour. Sadly, Caroline’s brother passed away a few years previously with a brain tumour. 

Caroline had complex brain surgery, which appeared successful at the time. However, since then she has had further surgery and another course of chemo, due to the tumour returning within the year. 

To date, she has been fundraising for Sussex Cancer Fund, as they have supported her throughout.

Katie Lloyd said “When my dear friend Caroline fell ill, she was supported by Sussex Cancer Fund. I really wanted to do something to help and thought that holding a music festival would be a fun way to raise funds and also a great community event for Rye. We have been overwhelmed with the support from local bands and from local tradespeople.”

Thank you

All the bands performed for free. The main stage, a lorry, was donated by Bournes. A full drum kit for the main stage and back line was donated from B and T in Hastings. JC Leisure donated a motorhome for the day for bands to relax and change in. The main sponsors were JLM Toyota who kindly covered the cost of the PA and sound engineer.

More can be found on the Event’s Facebook page but bands included:

SLM Toyota Main Stage

  • Total Mayhem
  • 90% Proof
  • Vexed
  • The Chandeliers
  • Spellbound
  • 62 Stone

Grandma’s Garden Acoustic Stage

  • Pete Prescott
  • Madie Hart
  • Touchwood
  • Mark Rodrigues

In addition to the music, the wonderful Oliver Wilkinson braved the shave live at the event, raising money for Macmillan and the Sussex Cancer Fund. Thanks Oliver and thanks Jayne for letting him do it.

Oliver Wilkinson and wife Jayne before the shave
Oliver Wilkinson having his head shaved for Macmillan & the Sussex Cancer Fund

The event was billed as ‘Music For All Tastes’ and it certainly was. An amazing day for music lovers and families a like.

The event raised a grand total of £2762 for the Sussex Cancer Fund. Thank you to Katie Lloyd & Nigel Polley for organising the event. Another thank you to all the bands, the sponsors, everyone behind the scenes, the vendors, and the lovely Jacquie Trott, one of our Business Ambassadors, and of course to all who attended on the day.

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  1. What a great day.Great music and great company.All done for a fantastic cause,something very close to me as I lost both of my parents to cancer 3 years apart.Hoping to do it all again next year.Well done Katie,Nigel and all behind the scenes.


    1. Glad you enjoyed it Roy! We certainly did! some fantastic music! Thanks to all involved and who attended.

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