Francis Fest and Family Day

For teenagers everywhere, the chance to attend a music festival is part of growing up, a young person’s rite of passage. But for young people with complex needs and life-limiting conditions the logistics are challenging, and in most cases impossible.

In order to provide the young people of Francis House Children’s Hospice with the music festival experience, the homecare team staged Francis Fest; an afternoon of live performance at the hospice in Didsbury. This was followed by a Family Day which drew in excited families and children from across Greater Manchester.

Rachel Ellis, of the homecare team at Francis House said: “The idea for Francis Fest and the Family Day came from wanting to give the young people and families more than just care, a chance to create precious memories together in a happy, relaxed setting.”

Over a weekend in September, the grounds of Francis House were transformed with a stretch tent, stage, live bands, entertainment, street food and an atmosphere that the young people and their families loved.

Zach Simpson took to the stage to accompany singer Michael for a rendition of his favourite Coldplay track.

Zach said: “It’s nice to be able to hang out and relax, it’s like being at a real festival. There’s not a lot of opportunity to go to somewhere like Glastonbury which is too busy. It was amazing to be able to sing on stage. I loved it.”

Charlotte, Rosie and Dominic also sang songs to the delight of the audience.

Rachel added: “To have our young people join Michael on stage with his guitar and sing was such a special moment and so inspiring. Dom did a whole set of his own songs rapping with his friend Tom which was amazing.”

Acts over the weekend included The Flying Seagull Project, Merrylegs Ponies, Barrington Powell magician and entertainer, Mr Tumble tribute act Liverpool, Make a Smile Manchester, Michael and the Weltones, Rosie and Jim, Dave Steele The Blind Poet, Dom and Tom, Groovy Revolution band, Swizzles sweets, Together for Short Lives, Picstar photo booth, Fergus the therapy dog and Face Painting by Dinz.

Francis House mum Natelle Morgan enjoyed bead making with play specialist Billie Harris and Omari had his caricature drawn. Natelle said: “Omari would probably never have experienced a festival and he loves socialising and being in social crowds. I’ve met other parents and got to mingle with them. Bringing families together now their children have grown up has been a nice experience and a lovely day.”

Dave and Tracy Creighton have been coming to Francis House since 2007. Dave said: “It’s been great for the young people to mix with their peer group without a care in the world and not be confined to a wheelchair area. Josh loved the music and Kirsty loved Fergus the Therapy dog. Francis House is like a 6 star hotel where you can do what you want. It’s the only place that can take away the responsibility of our kids from us as we trust the staff at Francis House”

Leighton Ashcroft of Picstar photo booth has a daughter who is autistic. He said: “A safe space is hard to find; you stop doing things because people stare. It’s great that families can come here for an event like this and I’m proud to be part of it.”

Rachel added: “Our thanks to everyone who helped make this day so memorable. The impact of Francis Fest and the Family Day has been wonderful to see. Families tell us it’s a day where they can laugh, reconnect and feel supported by others who truly understand their journey. For many, those shared moments become lasting memories, which is really what Francis House is all about.”