2010 Looeyfest

Hundreds flocked to Redlingfield on Saturday August 21st for a day-long music festival to celebrate the life of Laura Baxter. The bands played for free at the “Looeyfest” at Rookery Farm in memory of Laura “Looey” Baxter who died suddenly in August 2009 aged just 27. Laura died of a massive blood clot (pulmonary embolism) and the event raised £3,000 for Lifeblood: The Thrombosis Charity, which aims to increase awareness of thrombosis and raise research funds.

Laura really loved music so Laura's brother Jon decided a music day - “Looeyfest” - would be a fitting tribute and celebration of her life as well as a way to raise money for an often overlooked charity.

In an emotional event, Laura's friends, family and locals, both young and old, joined together to listen to every kind of music from the acoustic singer songwriters Carly and Rosie to the hard rock of Stratosfire and punk band The Dying Breeds.

Tribute bands ZZ Topless and High Voltage provided some metal, while Gwyn Thomas provided a taste of folk, UB42 brought the reggae of UB40 to Suffolk and Skelvis provided some Elvis with a touch of Ska. The event was topped off by Ska'd For Life's energetic ska and they ended the evening with an emotional “A Message To You Looey”.

Many came from London for the weekend camping at Rookery farm and as well as music there was a bouncy castle, hog roast, fish 'n' chip van, burger bar, coffees and a Lifeblood stall.

Many Thanks to all involved especially Herbert and Pauline Abbott for the use of their farm, and Katie and Andrew Abbott for helping Jon to organise the event also Jimmy Tucker (Laura's uncle) and Richard Simonds (Laura's cousin) for providing all electric on the day. Also, a huge thanks to Simon the D.J and Mark the sound man, and Janet Norman-Philips and Mike Ager for their organisation and help leading up to the event.

Many thanks from Peggy, Fred & Jon Baxter and Family (Laura's Mum, Dad & Brother)