A host of bands are set to perform at a west Suffolk pub in memory of a much-loved music fan who lost his battle with cancer.
A Day for Dave will take place at The Bull Hotel in Long Melford on Sunday, June 3, to celebrate the life of David Tofts, from Chelmsford, who died of bowel cancer on March 16, aged 58.
Money raised from the day will go to Bowel Cancer UK and funds from a raffle – with prizes donated from local businesses – will be given to Farleigh Hospice, who cared for Dave before he died.
Friend and organiser Mike Kelly, who worked as a production manager alongside Dave at Halstead joinery company Cardel Grant, said the community has really got behind the event.
“The idea started off quite small and we wanted to have a few bands and raise a few hundred quid for charity, but it’s just taken off,” he said.
“The response from people has been amazing, and we’ve had to turn bands down.
“Everyone has donated their time and equipment for free so the community have really supported the event.
“Dave was a compassionate guy, who loved his football team Leyton Orient, and was a big music fan.
“He loved his bands and that is the reason we are doing this event.
“He was just your archetypal really nice bloke.
“He loved his family, music and football.”
The event, which begins at 2pm, will feature a host of acoustic acts in the afternoon, including Jake Cheek, Tina Raz and Matt Selley, before the electrified acts kick off in the evening.
Gallow Wood, Flavor and Kaine are among the bands who will hit the stage after dark and the event will finish around 11.30pm.
A barbecue and raffle will also take place during the day of music.
Organisers of A Day for Dave are asking for a minimum donation of £15 per ticket to the event.
Mr Kelly said: “We’ve got some really good bands, some are local and some are from further afield but it should be a really excellent day.
“We’ve got 200 tickets available and the more people who donate then the more money goes to charity.”
More information on the all-day music event and tickets is available by searching Day for Dave on Facebook.
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