A SKIPTON resident raised £7,000 for charity after holding a music festival that just managed to go ahead despite suffering a significant setback when Storm Lillian hit.

Jenette Marshall, a resident of Skipton, recently hosted the inaugural Niff Fest, a community event that brought together local musicians, businesses and residents for a day of celebration.

One of the bands that performed at the inaugural Niff FestOne of the bands that performed at the inaugural Niff Fest (Image: UGC)

The idea for Niff Fest came from Jenette wanting to create full-day event on her farm, raising vital funds for Sue Ryder Manorlands Hospice.

Jenette said: “We got everything ready for Niff Fest, with a lot of musicians, catering vans, and a marquee.”

Niff Fest was not just a celebration but also a tribute to Jenette’s friends Helen and Cathleen, who were both cared for by Sue Ryder nurses.

Jenette said: “Although it’s a hospice, it doesn’t feel sad. It’s a happy place of care and support.”

However, the event faced a major setback when Storm Lillian hit, causing significant damage to the setup.

“Saturday morning, we thought we had to cancel it,” Jenette said. “But my three daughters insisted we could still make it happen.

“We moved everything into the sheep building indoors and had just 24 hours to turn it around.”

Thanks to the collective effort of family, friends, and the local community, Niff Fest went ahead as planned, raising more than £7,000 for Sue Ryder.

Jenette added: “Without my children inspiring me, I would have cancelled it. It was a great success. The musicians were fantastic, and all our local companies sponsored it.”

The event saw an impressive turnout of 300 people, despite the wet weather.

Jennette said: “We raised a significant amount, and it wouldn’t have been possible without the support of everyone who helped set it up and those who bought tickets. I’m very proud of what we achieved.”

Jennette would like to thank all the bands and business which supported the event, including: DJ Wilko, Sax and the Machine, Keep it PG, CC Easy, Cubie and Men of Leisure, Street Legal, Pete Barton and Friends, Masi Masi, Pine Lodge, Craven Farm Vets, Acorn Stair Lift, Andrew Wood House, H&M Account, NFU Skipton, CCM, Jacs, Dark Horse Brewery, SHC, Tapsell West, Ian Cranston Auto Technician and Tarbetts.

For more information about Sue Ryder Manorlands Hospice, visit sueryder.org/manorlands