Naomi and Jack's organises festival for young people

The event, called Jestival, was held at Jack’s Place, which supports young people with complex medical needs from the age of 16.

Organised by Naomi and Jack’s, the charity behind the hospice, the festival-style event featured live music, crafts, games and food for young adults, their families and friends.

Naomi and Jack’s hosted a festival at Jack’s Place for the young adults that use the hospice service, alongside their family and friends. (Image: Naomi and Jack’s)

Claire Potterton, play and activities manager at Naomi and Jack’s, said: "It was a joy to see everyone pull together to create a vibrant, joyous, energy-filled festival full of fun, laughter and love.

"An absolute highlight was the incredible live music.

"Five fantastic musicians/bands volunteered their time to perform and put on a fantastic show, and the young adults and families thoroughly enjoyed it.

"There were fun moments, calm moments and precious moments between friends and family members and the whole day was certainly one to remember."

Performers included Southampton musician Calum Lintott, who recently supported McFly when they played at Southampton Football Club, and bands with personal connections to Naomi and Jack’s.

The Daytonas’ drummer is the daughter of Erika Lipscombe, director of care at the charity, while the CAMHS band features Richard, Matt and Jo, who are friends to the charity and all work/worked for the NHS child and adolescent mental health services.

Naomi and Jack’s hosted a festival at Jack’s Place for the young adults that use the hospice service, alongside their family and friends. (Image: Naomi and Jack’s)

Ruby Red, a five-piece band that play in and around Southampton, and Oscar Renton, husband of Dr Kate Renton, paediatric palliative care consultant at Naomi and Jack’s, also took to the stage.

Calum said: "Jestival is one of my favourite days of the year.

"Seeing the smiles on the young people’s faces is just joyous.

"The staff should be extremely proud of the event they have put together."

Festivities also included lawn games, mocktails and glitter face paints, along with food prepared by the hospice’s cook, Katie.

Parents Lorraine and Patrick, whose son Callum regularly visits Jack’s Place, said: "Callie loves rock music.

"We’re unable to attend gigs or festivals because they aren’t set up to meet Callie’s needs, so it’s fantastic to be able to come here and enjoy live music in a safe, comfortable and supportive environment."

Jack’s Place is the only service of its kind in central southern England that offers care, support, independence, empowerment and dignity for seriously ill young adults from the age of 16.