The much loved Summer Soulstice music festival is the biggest annual fundraising event on the Cherry Lodge Cancer Care calendar. This year’s event, held on Old Elizabethans’ Memorial Playing Fields on Saturday 21st June 2025, more than lived up to expectations. A hugely appreciative crowd of nearly 3,000 turned out to enjoy the day while also raising money to help fund Cherry Lodge’s much needed services for local people affected by cancer. Cherry Lodge thanks the Summer Soulstice crew for their ongoing support and is extremely grateful for the massive £520,000+ raised from 2007 to 2024.
It was a hot day with high humidity, described by Summer Soulstice chairman, Dave James, as rivalling New Orleans during Mardi Gras. The music too was reminiscent of the American South – top class live performances from soul stars Kenny Thomas, Jaki Graham and Lauraine Mcintosh on the main stage, plus sets from over 30 of the UK’s favourite DJs. A great choice of world food and drinks, interesting stalls, and entertainment for kids added to the enjoyment.
As always, Cherry Lodge volunteers were very much in evidence, supporting the Soulstice crew in various ways before, during and after the event. Huge thanks are due to Tina and her loyal team, who ran the popular Cherry Lodge information and merchandise stall, and provided an efficient and friendly service in the car park and at the gate. This year, Cherry Lodge volunteers (Margaret, Sue and Freddy) were given a new task – preparing fruit for Soulstice Day Pimms!
Visit the Summer Soulstice website and social media for lots of interesting background information (with more news and photos from this year’s event to be posted there soon).
