Blandford music festival celebrates the memory of Ted Newton and raises vital funds for Young Lives vs Cancer
A CHARITY supporting young people with cancer will benefit from people rocking out at a Dorset festival next month.
Teddy Rocks, which takes place at Charisworth Farm Cottage in Blandford from April 28 to 30, donates all profits to charity – including Young Lives vs Cancer.
Festival organiser, Tom Newton, sadly lost his brother Ted, aged just 10, to a rare form of bone cancer in 2010.
The family was supported by Young Lives vs Cancer, the only UK charity that provides vital psychosocial support to children and young people with the illness.
After the loss of his beloved brother, Tom said he was determined to create something positive in Ted’s memory and set up the Teddy Rocks Festival, originally as a gig in a pub in Blandford, in 2011.

It has grown each year, and last year’s event won a UK Best Family Festival Award.
Teddy Rocks Festival and the family charity Teddy20 has donated £55,000 over the years to Young Lives vs Cancer.
“While Ted received his treatment at our nearest specialist hospital, which was in Southampton, we received support from the Young Lives vs Cancer (then known as CLIC Sargent) social worker and all stayed at the charity’s ‘Home from Home’,” Tom said.
Liz Blunt, senior fundraising engagement manager for Young Lives vs Cancer (Dorset), said: “Losing someone to cancer at such a young age is truly heart breaking and what Tom and his family have achieved in Ted’s memory is just amazing.
“We can’t wait to be at Teddy Rocks in April. I would encourage anyone who wants to enjoy music from a host of artists in a stunning setting to support the event.”