Just Push Play Festival was founded in 2015, after I decided I wanted to raise funds for St Nicholas Hospice Care. They looked after my Dad during his short but intense battle with cancer (it was just 13 days from his diagnosis until he sadly passed away), and I wanted to do something for them to mark the 5th anniversary of his passing.
Throwing ideas around in the pub one night about whether I should do a sponsored swim, a run, a marathon, or any other fundraising idea that sprung to mind. Someone in the pub joked that I should ‘Do Live Aid’, and whilst they were taking the mickey it made absolute sense. My Dad and I had a huge passion for live music, and went to several gigs together. So a gig in his honour and raising funds for St Nicholas Hospice Care was perfect!
The first year saw a selection of local bands play a social club and raise over £1300 for St Nicholas Hospice Care. This spurred me to turn what was set to be a one off for the 5th anniversary to an annual event that continues to this day!
Just Push Play Festival grew year on year and after a successful crowdfunder campaign in 2018 we moved to The Apex in Bury St Edmunds where it’s been held ever since!
With headlining sets from the likes of Mason Hill, Phil Campbell and The Bastard Sons, Those Damn Crows, Massive Wagon and Wolf Jaw to name just a few ! As well as further sets from the likes of Scarlet Rebels, Troy Redfern, Blue Nation, The Howling Tides, Skam, Massive, These Wicked Rivers, Empyre, Mike Ross, The Karma Effect, Gallows Circus, Bad Touch, Gorilla Riot, Florence Black, Jack J Hutchinson, The Hot One Two, Hollowstar, Dead Man’s Whiskey to name just a few across previous years. I’m unbelievably proud to have had some of the finest bands on the scene on the Just Push Play stage.
All whilst raising tens of thousands of pounds for the amazing cause that is St Nicholas Hospice Care!
