In a testament to community strength and Swindoniands sticking two fingers up to the good old British weather, the My Dad’s Bigger Than Your Dad (MDBTYD) Festival 2023 defied the wind and the rain to raise an impressive sum of nearly £9,000 for the Prospect Hospice.
This vibrant all-day music extravaganza, presented in collaboration with the South Swindon Parish Council, unfolded at The Old Town Bowl on the rain-soaked Saturday of 22nd July with around 800 resilient music lovers persevering through the weather, demonstrating their commitment to a worthy cause.
Marking its triumphant third year, MDBTYD Festival has blossomed into a cherished event within the local calendar. The event was conceived as a heartfelt initiative to raise essential funds for Prospect Hospice in a poignant tribute to Dave Young, former landlord of The Victoria and 12 Bar, who valiantly battled cancer and found solace in the hospice’s care until his passing in June 2021.
Based in Wroughton, Prospect Hospice plays a vital role in offering palliative and end-of-life care to individuals throughout the region. Given the necessity to self-finance the majority of its operations through fundraising, the hospice’s profound impact on the community is undeniable.
Supported for the second consecutive year by Future Planning as its headline sponsor, the festival’s 2023 edition unfolded across two dynamic stages, featuring 16 acts. From the soulful strains of Kova Me Badd to the infectious energy of Imperial Leisure and The Real Cheesemakers, the local music scene came together in a magnificent showcase of talent.
The festival’s collaboration with Swindon Paint Fest brought an artistic flair, with local artists contributing live paintings, which will soon be auctioned for a noble cause.
Sheryl Crouch, Head of Income at Prospect Hospice, shares her sentiments, “My Dad’s Bigger Than Your Dad is a real celebration of our community and an event that Prospect Hospice is proud to be a part of.
“The story of local music promoter Dave Young and the support he and his family received from the hospice is reflected in this event through its energy, varied line up of bands and array of entertainment throughout the day, all supported by many local sponsors and volunteers. The event is a true community collaboration, much like the hospice.
“The event has raised an amazing £30,000 so far and this will be used by the hospice to ensure other local people like Dave can benefit from outstanding care at the end of their lives. We want to thank everyone involved in making the day happen and all those who attend, for their ongoing support and for ensuring we can be there to support further families that need us.
“The date is already set for next year and we can’t wait to be part of it.”
Co-organiser Ed Dyer reflects on the festival’s resounding success, “Swindon’s indomitable spirit once again shone through, gracing our one-day festival despite the rain. The lively atmosphere, though dampened by the weather, saw attendees dancing and departing with radiant smiles. Although the exact figure is being confirmed, the prospect of donating nearly £9,000 to Prospect Hospice fills us with immense pride.”
After a well-deserved respite, festival organisers are gearing up for MDBTYD 2024, slated for Saturday, 20th July 2024.
Early tickets for next year’s event are available now via the website mydadsbiggerthanyourdad.co.uk.
