A FESTIVAL founded in memory of a Somerset music lover who ‘left so many broken hearts’ after taking his own life, will return next month.

Keith Fest is set to return to Henstridge Airfield on Saturday, August 5, for its second year.

Running from 10am to 11pm, the festival is organised by Yvette Bowler and Paul Bowler in loving memory of her late son Keith Parvin, who took his own life in 2018.

The pair founded Keith Fest to celebrate her son, a music and festival lover, and to raise money to help others in a similar situation.

This year, the event will raise money for The Brave and Determined charity (Badco), based in Shaftesbury, which provides potentially life-saving counselling for those who need it.

“It’s almost five years since we lost Keith to suicide,” said Yvette. “Our aim is to spread awareness and prevention. This year Keith would have celebrated his 40th birthday. The day will be filled with fun, laughter and tears.

“To so many, Keith was a happy-go-lucky sort of person. Full of fun, quick-witted, always had a joke – loved by so many – he has left so many broken hearts. He loved music festivals.

Keith tragically took his own life in 2018

“The Keith so many didn’t see was so different. He suffered with anxiety and depression for at least 20 years, even more. He tried so hard. He was under mental health services, but they just didn’t work.”

After his tragic passing, Yvette said Keith’s friends prompted her to do something in honour of her boy.

“It was in the summer of 2019 when all Keith’s friends were putting on Facebook about the festivals they were going too, I said to my husband, ‘I want a festival for Keith’, so Keith Fest was born,” she said.

“The idea started small; a couple of bands, a few friends, but over time it’s grown.”

On August 5, the music kicks off at 10am with DJ Ben Zagorski, followed by Nick Coleman – a friend of Keith’s – opening the live acts, followed by seven bands, playing through until 11pm.

And Yvette said Keith Fest had enjoyed ‘incredible support’ from local businesses.

“We would really like to thank Geoff at the airfield for once again, allowing us to host a festival on his land and also for donating a raffle prize of a flight experience for up to three people,” she added.

“There are some amazing people in this world – all of our bands, friends and family giving up their time and love for free.”

With food stalls and a licensed bar, custom motobikes, plus face painting and a bouncy castle, Keith Fest promises something for all the family to enjoy.

Tickets cost £15 for adults, £1 for children aged five-16, with under-5s free. Under-16s must be accompanied by a paying adult.

Overnight camping is available for £20 (including ticket price) and there are bell tents for hire too, which must be booked in advance.

Contact Yvette on 07749 346812, email yvettebowler@live.co.uk, or go to www.keithfest.co.uk.