Dorchester Festival raises record-breaking amount for mental health charity

Oxfordshire's Dorchester Festival has raised record-breaking amounts for mental health charity, Restore.

The festival, which has raised £62,000, is well-regarded as the county's most influential community event.

The amount will be shared between Restore and Dorchester Abbey.

The event drew a crowd of over 5,000 between May 3 and May 12.

With 64 events, festivalgoers were not short of choices.

More than 6,000 tickets were snapped up for headline acts like Olivier award-winning Showstopper! The Improvised Musical, CBeebies star Nick Cope, Tallis Scholars, chorus expert John Rutter and folk singer Sam Kelly.

But it wasn't only performances that got attendees talking - 3,000 pieces of cake were consumed over the 10-day festival.

Restore abseil (Image: Restore)

The event kicked off with 14 volunteers - led by the Bishop of Dorchester - abseiling down the 100-foot Dorchester Abbey tower.

The Bishop of Dorchester (Image: Restore)

They collectively raised an incredible £12,000 for the cause.

A multitude of fundraising activities featured in the programme, including a tea room takeover, a stall packed with locally sourced crafts and produce, an online auction and a 10-day raffle.

Prizes included signed memorabilia from Monty Panesar - a Restore patron - a private dining experience, and a bespoke garden design package.

Opera with primary schools (Image: Restore)

Festival Chair, Steph Forman, said: "This year's Dorchester Festival was our biggest and best attended to date and the audience and community response was phenomenal.

"Despite rising costs we surpassed our previous record by £10,000: this is testament to the unwavering support and enthusiasm of our 200 volunteers and charity partner.

"We are delighted to have been able to make such a significant donation to the excellent work done by Restore, our partner charity for 2024."

What's more, the festival's dedication to charity went far beyond just fundraising.

Restore volunteers (Image: Restore)

The event aimed to highlight the importance of community, creativity, and charitable giving.

Libby Peppiatt, Restore’s CEO, said: "The event has provided an incredible platform to challenge stigma, raise tens of thousands, and open up the conversation about better mental health in our community.

"From engaging new supporters to hearing heartfelt stories of how Restore has aided in the recovery of local individuals, the festival highlighted the life-changing and sometimes life-saving support Restore offers.

"We are so grateful to have been a part of such a magical and impactful event."

BBC Elstree Concert Band (Image: Restore)

Funds from the festival will support Restore's continued work with over 500 adults each year, helping them on the road to recovery from mental ill health.

Through Restore's programmes, over 40 per cent of adults are helped into employment.

The support from the festival is invaluable to the community.