A FESTIVAL has raised more than £10,000 for four charities in the county.

The non-profit Beacon Festival in Watlington, which organisers have already confirmed will be coming back next year, has announced that this year’s event raised £10,000 for local causes.

With tickets costing under £40, families were treated to an eclectic mix of chart-topping head-bangers form The Killerz, toe-tapping catchy tunes from local children’s performers as well as comedy, which was slotted into the array of events alongside an open mic stage.

Youngsters and the young-hearted could also rock and roll at the fiesta with a silent disco, and zorbing.

First Steps Family Hub, which offers support for young families, The Treehouse School, an alternative non-fee primary school in Wallingford, and Footsteps Foundation were the four chosen charities for this year, along with Thames Valley Air Ambulance, who can be anywhere in Oxfordshire, Berkshire and Buckinghamshire within 15 minutes. The service, which is non–government funded, is also manned with paramedics and doctors, unlike land ambulances, which they say is ‘vital’ for emergency traumas.

Ruth Dunkin, head of community and events at Thames Valley Air Ambulance, said: “We are so grateful for the support from the Beacon Festival and it was a real pleasure to be involved for the first time this year.

“It was fabulous to be able to speak to the festival goers about our work, and it was also extra special to meet people who have been personally touched by our service.”

The Footsteps Foundation was another charity to receive the donation, to pay towards the costs of therapy for young adults and children affected by neurological disorders, for families who can’t afford it.

Maggie Davies, manager at foundation, said: “With £2,500 we will provide 50 hours of specialist therapy for disabled children in need.

“Over the course of 50 hours, children will expect to improve their strength and motor skills significantly.”

Organisers have already begun to plan next years event, which tickets now on sale at this years price.

They said they’ve been using feedback, regarding timings of bands as well as toilet facilities, and will be taking these on board.

They have also announced that next year under 16s will be able to go for free to the event on June 21 and 22, 2019.

Applications for new beneficiaries have also opened, with the Beacon Festival organisers urging local causes to sign up or be nominated for receiving a donation after the festival.

p See Beaconfestival.net for more information.