On Saturday 9th June a family friendly music festival will be held at Treborth Botanic Garden in Bangor with the aim of fundraising for Bangor University lecturer Dr Sophie Williams, as she recovers from Japanese Encephalitis, which she contracted in 2015 while undertaking research with students from Bangor University in south-east China.

The virus paralysed Sophie, 33, who will always need 24-hour care, and the aim is to raise £60,000 to make her home more accessible. Friends of Sophie came up with the idea of a one-day festival, Draig Beats, which will be held 10 years after the first ‘Botanical Beats’ Festival to raise awareness of Bangor University’s Treborth Botanic Garden, which Sophie was instrumental in organising.

Among the acts who will be giving their time for free include local bands Drymbago, Yucatan, Hedge Gods and Mouton. Headlining will be the internationally-acclaimed master kora player and drummer Seckou Keita.

Sophie’s partner Robert said “Draig Beats is not only to support Sophie in our aim to get her home. It also brings communities together, very much in Sophie’s spirit.

“She is very excited that so much support and love has been shown to make coming home a reality.”

Mike Williams, Sophie’s father, said: “We are grateful for all the support and all everyone has done to organise this event.”

DRAIG BEATS 2018

Draig Beats will be held on Saturday the 9th of June 2018 from 11am until 8pm in Treborth Botanic Garden. It’s a family friendly, fund raising event with plenty of live music, workshops, food & drink and lots of activities to keep the kids busy!

All the acts, DJs, workshops and staff have kindly offered their skills for free, all profits from the food and bars and 100% of ALL ticket sales will be going directly to the Sophie Williams Trust.

WHAT’S ON

Live bands and DJs across two music stages • Syrcas Cimera • Capoeira Workshop • Wild Elements Forest school • Tea & Cake Stalls • Willow Weaving Workshop • Home Cooked Vegetarian Food • Fully Licensed Bar • Much more to be announced

TICKET PRICES

Adult: Advance £20 – On the day £25 | Child 12-17: Advance £10 – On the day: £15 | Children under 12 FREE

Family Ticket (2 adults, 2 children aged 12 -17) £50 (advance only)

No Concessions

(Please note there is a £1 booking fee per transaction)
Tickets: http://neuaddogwen.com/en/events/draig-beats/

As access to the Garden is limited the advice is to use public transport if possible, there will also be a free park and ride scheme from Bangor University Normal Site and Menai Bridge Park & Ride. Access by car will be limited to Blue Badge holders only.

To comply with the law and for general event safety:

No alcohol to be brought onto site • No glass
No unaccompanied children under 18 • No dogs

All profits from the Draig Beats Festival will go directly to the Sophie Williams Trust.