A two-day live music festival in the North East in Summer 24
A music festival with local artists, some of whom will be offering covers of the music played at the likes of Live Aid. On-site food will be affordably priced and we welcome anyone. This is a family and dog-friendly festival and we will have both a children's and dog's pavilion.
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Smile Wide Together is a Community Interest Company (CIC). A CIC is a special type of limited company which exists to benefit the community rather than private shareholders. For more information visit the Government website.
ABOUT SMILE WIDE TOGETHER
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A WORD FROM OUR FOUNDER.
"Hi, I am Sean, and I have always wanted to do something to help the homeless. I discussed this idea for years, but the pandemic gave me the drive to put my plan into motion. My partner Val passed not too long ago and St Benedict's Hospice provided great care for me and my family, providing deep care to those in need. This personal experience made me want to give back, so Smile Wide Together was born. We are a not for profit event, with all money made making its way to the homeless and hospices of the North East. Part of our mission is to begin a support network for homeless people. We are planning on converting redundant buildings into housing for the homeless. The people we help will be involved in the renovation aspect of the project, giving them the ability to learn basic construction skills. We believe this will help towards employment and reducing homelessness."
Val's Story
Anyone who knew Val or had the pleasure of meeting her would know she would do anything for anyone. She was hard working, kind and friendly but most of all strong. No matter what life chucked at Val over the years she always managed to find a positive outlook.
She loved to socialise with friends, loved music and going to concerts but most of all loved her family. Val was a mother and grandmother and adored by all that knew her especially her children. She was so young when she lost her battle with cancer, but she was strong and courageous and dignified throughout her battle.
She was supported immensely towards the end of her life by St Benedict's hospice in Ryhope and she couldn't thank them enough for looking after her and her family through the toughest of times. Raising funds and awareness for this fantastic charity is something Val would back 100% if she was still here today.
Jol's Story
Julie Helen Rose Maughan (known to all her friends as Jol) lost her battle with cancer at the age of only 57 years but in those 57 years she had packed in a career as a professional singer on the North East Club Circuit (where her stage name was Paley Yorke) as a teacher in a comprehensive school and as office manager in partnership with her husband in Peter Maughan Law Solicitors in Gateshead.
To say that Jol was loved by many people would be a huge understatement. When she died in May 2023 after a brave fight against her cancer, 150 people posted on Facebook with her tributes.
She left a huge hole in so many peoples live.
One tribute described her as “a lady , a great teacher, a magnificent and beautiful singer but above all my friend”.
MOUTHWATERING FOOD & DRINK*
We aim to offer delicious and affordable family-friendly food and drink from locally sourced vendors. Think festival food plus some North East delicacies that will you go, yum! We will make sure to include vegetarian and vegan options.
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*You cannot bring alcohol to the event. Food, drinks and alcohol will be available to purchase at the event. Show support to your local community of vendors and the festival to keep it moving forward.
SMALL STALLS AND VENDOR APPLICATIONS FOR SMILE WIDE TOGETHER LIVE MUSIC FESTIVAL 2024 ARE NOW OPEN.
Are you a food and drink vendor? Do you hand-make and sell your wares? We believe in supporting our local community and would love to hear from local small business owners.
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If you are interested in trading at Smile Wide Together Live Music Festival, please apply using our form with your details. Please include what you would like to sell with links to your social media or website, where you are based, any pictures of your set-up and products. If you are applying to sell food and drink, just include a menu or a link to one.
Children’s area
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We will have a children's play and rest hut this will give you a chance to rest and entertain your children allow you to take a bit pressure off yourselves so you can really enjoy your day with your family you will of course have to look after your children yourself as we cannot take any responsibility for your children
Dog Pavilion
The event will be dog friendly. We at smile wide together love dogs. The dog pavilion will have five-star facilities, soundproofing, spray shower areas, lots of soft bedding and more. You can rest your dog during the event, so you can enjoy your day with us. you will have to take responsibility for your own dogs