River Sounds Music Festival to Conclude in February – Event Organizers
A heartfelt music festival with a powerful purpose will be ending soon. The River Sounds festival in Katikati, a beloved event that promotes open conversations about mental health and serves as a fundraiser for local mental health organizations, will be wrapping up for the final time this February. Organizers have shared that this decision comes as a result of dwindling sponsorship support, making it increasingly challenging to keep the festival going.
A Touching Tribute and a Final Show
The River Sounds festival was established in memory of a life lost to suicide, with all proceeds from the event being directed towards supporting mental health initiatives in the community. Since its inception in 2013, the festival has been a beacon of hope and healing, bringing together music, speakers, workshops, and even comedy to create a safe space for open dialogue around mental health.
Co-founder Jessica Dine, from the Everyone Hurts Foundation, expressed gratitude for the outpouring of support following the announcement of the festival’s closure. Thanks to renewed sponsorship offers, the team has been able to secure the resources needed to host one final show on February 15th. Dine shared, “We were unsure if we would have to cancel the event at one point, but some of our long-time sponsors came through for us.”
A Bittersweet Farewell and Lasting Impact
The decision to conclude the festival was not made lightly, as it has served as a powerful platform for honoring lost loved ones and breaking the stigma surrounding mental health challenges. The festival’s origins stem from a deeply personal experience, with co-founder Sophie Temperton creating the event in memory of her brother, Ben, who tragically ended his life on their family farm.
The festival has raised over $100,000 for local mental health organizations, showcasing the unwavering support of the Katikati and Bay of Plenty community. While bidding farewell to this meaningful event is undoubtedly emotional, the organizers are committed to continuing their advocacy work through other projects with the Everyone Hurts Foundation.
Spreading Awareness and Providing Support
Beyond the festival, the Foundation aims to normalize conversations around mental health issues and provide resources for those in need. The dedication of the organizers and the community at large has made a lasting impact on destigmatizing mental health challenges and fostering a culture of openness and support.
As the final River Sounds festival approaches, attendees can look forward to performances from talented artists like Georgia Lines, Bec Sandridge, and King Kapisi. The event promises to be a fitting send-off to a festival that has touched the lives of many and ignited important conversations about mental health.
In conclusion, while the River Sounds festival may be coming to an end, its legacy of compassion, support, and advocacy will continue to resonate in the hearts of all those who have been a part of this remarkable journey. Let us honor this final chapter and carry forward the spirit of hope and healing in our communities.