It’s in the Bag Cancer Support have been working with Bridgwater & Taunton College Creative Arts Department on an extra special project. Test Fest is a music festival which focuses on raising awareness of testicular cancer. Music festivals throughout the UK have wonderful large letter displays which have become a focus of those events
Event organisers Sue & Bill Brand thought why not have the letters ‘TEST FEST’ at the venue. This would not only be an eye-catching installation but will also help the charity to raise awareness of the festival.
Sue says: “We have lots of illustrators, designers and graphics companies who help us, but this felt like something we could get young artists to explore. So we were thrilled when Bridgwater & Taunton College agreed to work with us, who thought it would be perfect for their work experience”.
Sue & Bill attended the college and pitched the idea to the students and staff. Some students felt a bit hesitant but they understood the brief and keen to take part. Last week a panel of judges including Matt Hill PR and Marketing Manager at Sheppy’s Cider and Jon Dixon Bristol Artist who is also a patron of the charity made their choice.
Hannah O’Shea; Course Leader; Creative, Digital & Professional Studies says:
“Bridgwater & Taunton College are delighted to be involved with ‘It’s in the Bag’ to work in collaboration with our Level 2 and 3 Art & Design students. This offers them the opportunity to work on a client led brief for their Work Experience week. It is an excellent opportunity to work alongside an organisation that works so hard to raise awareness of such an important topic, whilst also allowing the students to gain experience of creating design work for a professional client, working to their requirements and time scale, allowing them an initial introduction to working within the creative industries.”
On Thursday 18th June the students were told who had the winning designs. We chose 8 for the letters TEST FEST, however one student designed an instillation where people would stand inside a large pair of pants (the charity’s logo) so that was chosen too. All winners were given complimentary tickets and all the other 50 students who took part have been given discount to attend.
Next week Graphic Mill in Trowbridge is providing the cut outs of the letters and the students then need to decorate them with the designs.
The aim of the Test Fest is to encourage people to attend from all over the South West. To watch bands, eat, drink, catch up with friends and have a good time. The team in the background talk about the importance of self-checking, sell merchandise with the charity’s messages on them.
The charity volunteers talk to attendees about what the charity does and how it helps men and their families in the West Country. By the end of the day, there are many festival goers wearing the charity’s T-shirts and bright orange pants on the outside. Test Fest is like a mini testicular cancer family. Most of the bands donate their performance to the It’s in the Bag charity or play at a very reduced rate.
Test Fest also has another purpose that we did not discover until last year. Many survivors and their families attend and catch up with those who have had treatment, just diagnosed and still receiving treatment. This is like a mini Testicular Cancer family and seeing those great conversations tell us that we are doing the right thing.
Test Fest is a music festival with a message – the only one of its kind in the UK and maybe the world! Most testicular cancer awareness campaigns focus on sport, colleges, universities and workplaces. However, stats reveal that young men are the largest group of attendees at music festivals, so why not focus on music to encourage awareness.
Testicular Cancer is the most common cancer in young men, so to get young people involved in the festival is great. It’s in the Bag’s aims are to support men at diagnosis and during treatment, raise awareness to encourage early detection and celebrate the 98% survival rate from Penzance to Worcester.
The festival is always opened by two bands from Richard Huish College music department and now having Bridgwater & Taunton College involved is brilliant.
Headliners are Stereosonics (Stereophonics Tribute) supported by much loved local bands Filta and The Jamestown Brothers. From Plymouth we have The Mayhaps and much more. Patrons Downsy is MC, Nutty Noah on the stage.
This fun filled festival is definitely the place to be. Tickets still available but don’t miss out!
Come along and join the fun, with a health message too! Like we said this is a Fun-Raiser NOT a fundraiser.
Get your tickets:
Saturday 17th June 2023 – Taunton Rugby Football Club
About It’s in the Bag
It’s in the Bag is a Bristol based charity offering hands on support to men across the South West who have been diagnosed with testicular cancer.
It also raises awareness of testicular cancer and the importance of regular self-checking. Visit www.itsinthebag.org.uk to find out more.
It’s in the Bag have three simple aims:
Support: Being diagnosed with testicular cancer and going through treatment is a huge challenge – physically, mentally and emotionally. We provide a range of activities and initiatives to help men through this tough time.
Awareness: We teach men the importance of checking their balls regularly and taking any issues straight to their GP. Spreading this knowledge promotes earlier diagnosis, which often means simpler, more effective treatment and better chances of a cure.
Survival: With UK cure rates for testicular cancer running above 98%, we focus on survival – helping guys tackle the emotional and practical impact of cancer, both during treatment and into their lives after.
Testicular cancer is the most common cancer of 15 to 49-year-old men (but it also affects younger and older men). Although most cancers get more common as we get older, testicular cancer is different. It’s most likely to happen when you’re young or middle aged.
Testicular cancer has a high survival rate – more than 98% of men who have been diagnosed with Testicular cancer will survive, but early detection is crucial. It’s in the Bag encourages men aged 15 and older to self-check every month and to talk to their GP immediately if they discover anything unusual.
