Countdown begins for Rock Diabetes Festival

FINAL preparations are now under way for the Rock Diabetes Festival, a day of live music at the Civic Centre in Trowbridge on Saturday 11th October, from 12.00noon. Music will be provided by Diamond Head and 23 other bands, including support from Westbury musicians.

The organisers say, “The festival this year will also be more family orientated with entertainment for the children, with face painters, arts and crafts, fair ground rides and a clown. So while you’re enjoying your music the children will be occupied. There will also be Rock Diabetes merchandise for sale with all the profits going to the charity. A prize draw will include merchandise from all the bands playing, as well as a guitar donated by All Instruments of Westbury, which will be signed by all the bands performing.

“Hot and cold food will be available and the bar will be open. The festival has been sponsored by Hobgoblin beer so don’t forget to pick up your tokens from the ticket office on the day.

“For more information, tickets and the full line up please visit www.rockdia betes.co.uk or join the facebook page at www.facebook.com/rock diabetes. Advance tickets are £10 and are currently on sale online at www.skiddle.com then search for Rock Diabetes, children under 12 are free when accompanied by a paying adult.”

One of the organisers, Dave says, “We have been working hard behind the scenes to let as many people know about the festival as we can. It’s been an amazing year with lots going on, including some fun fundraising activities like a sponsored three- legged walk, a charity football match and several warm-up shows around the area, even the summer “Rock In The Park” gig in Trowbridge park bandstand!”

Tickets sales have been going well and money raised from the event will go to the charity JDRF (Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation). JDRF not only do research into a cure for Type 1 diabetes but they also research into projects that help improve the lives of people living with the condition.

Organiser Doug says, “You would be surprised how many people do not understand the differences between the more common Type 2 diabetes and Type 1 diabetes, and to help raise awareness of this is essential so that people understand the needs of those suffering with the condition.

“Type 1 is an auto immune system condition, where the pancreas no longer produces insulin; it is still unknown as to what causes this to trigger. Statistics from last year said 2,000 children between 0-14yrs are diagnosed each year in the UK. People should be aware of the symptoms; Type 1 diabetes can lead to serious illness, and even death, if it is not diagnosed quickly. The main things to look for are ‘the four Ts’ – toilet, thirsty, tired and thinner; any increase in these things and it’s worth getting checked out.”