Organisers behind a well-loved county music festival are celebrating after winning a prestigious award.
Woo Fest, which is held each year at the Drum and Monkey pub in Upton upon Severn, scooped the prize for Best Small Festival at the UK Festival Awards in London.
It faced competition from five other shortlisted events: ArcTanGent, Breaking Bands Festival, Camp Wildfire, Made In Manchester and Neighbourhood Festival.
Luke Simons, festival organiser, said: “We were thrilled to win the Best Small Festival Award. It was such an incredible feeling when it was announced and a really emotional evening for us.”
Since its inception in 2014, the festival has donated all its proceeds to St Richard’s Hospice and this year raised more than £20,000.
The festival was set up by Mr Simons and his sister Ria in memory of their father, John Simons, who was cared for by the hospice before he died in 2013.
The event now includes many people who have been touched by the care the hospice provides.
“It’s amazing to consider we started the festival as a one-off in memory of my dad and it has just grown and grown,” said Mr Simons.
“We would like to thank all our customers and everyone single person involved in the festival.
“The support we get every single year is just amazing – it has been an incredible journey and we have met so many great people along the way.
“We visited the hospice on our return, which really hit home why we do this year after year. It’s an incredible place that does so much for our community.”
Claire James, hospice fundraiser, said: “We are so thrilled for the fabulous Woo Fest team and congratulate them on their very well-deserved award win.
“Each year, we are blown-away by the team’s hard work in raising money for St Richard’s Hospice and are so grateful for their tireless support.
“Without the support of people like these, we couldn’t continue our care to patients and loved ones when they need us most.”
The awards ceremony took place on Thursday, December 5.
The Woo Fest team will continue the celebrations at its festive event – A Christmas Woo, to be held at the Marrs Bar, Worcester, on Sunday, December 22.
There will be music from a host of bands, including Arcadia Roots, Chimp on a Bike, Immy and the Boatman, Kringo Blue, Ruben Seabright and others.
The doors will open from 7.30pm and tickets are £10 in advance and £12.50 on the door. A Christmas Woo is sponsored by Lowes Garage, Worcester.
To book tickets, visit www.strichards.org.uk/event/christmaswoo
Woo Fest 2020 is set to take place between Friday, July 3 and 4 at the Drum and Monkey pub. For more information visit www.woo-fest.com
- Picture credit: Andy Dawson Photography