ORGANISERS of a popular music festival in aid of charity have announced they are having a year off.

Kesgrave Music Festival has raised tens of thousands of pounds for St Elizabeth Hospice since the first event seven years ago.

The festival was conceived in memory of organiser Debbie McCallum’s friend Kate Moyes, 29, who died in August 2005, after developing a very aggressive form of cancer.

Kate, who grew up in Hadleigh, spent her final six weeks at St Elizabeth Hospice in Foxhall Road.

Mrs McCallum, landlady of the Kesgrave Bell, said: “Since Kate passed away many friends have got married and had babies.

“Last year three of our members were pregnant at the same time which made it tougher to organise.

“We have decided to take a year off to recharge our batteries and to concentrate on our ever-growing family commitments.

“The festival has been a huge success over the past seven years but with that comes the added pressure on our time as volunteers, coupled with a more challenging financial situation each year.” Kesgrave Music Festival has raised more than £93,000 for St Elizabeth Hospice which provides help and support to people living with a progressive illness.

Mrs McCallum said a provisional date has already been pencilled in the diary for 2014.

“There have been increasing financial pressures so we are happy to look at someone sponsoring the event,” she said.

“It cost a lot of money last year which is a lot of pressure for a small committee.

“We are working with St Elizabeth Hospice and hope, through the other events, we will be able to give them lump sum at the end of the year.”

She added: “Some people say having a year off is a bad thing but I think we will be refreshed and ready to go again.”

Anyone wanting to volunteer should email info@kesgravemusicfestival.com