IT is two days post Festifeel, our annual festival to raise money for CoppaFeel!, and I’m in bed, still completely wired and speechless. It’s hard to convey how I feel right now so instead I will tell you everything that went down on Saturday at House Of Vans in London. Tickets sold out more than […]
IT is two days post Festifeel, our annual festival to raise money for CoppaFeel!, and I’m in bed, still completely wired and speechless.
It’s hard to convey how I feel right now so instead I will tell you everything that went down on Saturday at House Of Vans in London.
Tickets sold out more than a month ago and the place was bursting with happy people who had either been supporting us for ten years or were charity newbies.
Everywhere I looked, I saw excitement and joy. I can’t begin to tell you how great that can make you feel.
Our music line-up was one of best we’ve ever had. A band called Thrill Collins (who played at my cancerversary) started the party from 2pm with their brilliant, hilarious covers.
Hearts were exploding as James Bay played a stripped-back acoustic set and shortly afterwards came Bombay Bicycle Club.
I’ve loved them for so many years. Some of their tracks transport me from chemo to Glastonbury.
The most epic part of their acoustic set was a total surprise when they brought one of my best pals, Rae Morris, on stage to play a song called Luna.
I’d held it together until then but the tears started flowing and I was a complete mess. All the hard work, the endless calls, meetings and emails, led to this point and it was the best possible release.
As is tradition, Fearne Cotton and I say our thanks ahead of our headliner. This year I gave the worst speech ever because I just couldn’t find the words, though I had them printed on notes in front of me.
To top it off, my (now very pregnant) twin Maren was on Facetime too so she could be with us.
Standing on that stage with the incredible women who made Festifeel happen, with the CoppaFeel! team in the photo pit and lifelong friends in the audience, will be hard to ever top.
I almost wonder if there is any point doing another Festifeel. It feels like we peaked this year! Once the speeches were over, I could finally let myself have a good time.
The teenager in me lost her tiny mind watching Feeder and then, to round off the night, two of my favourite humans played an epic DJ set. We danced. We hugged. We cried. We sweated And it was glorious.
I have no idea if we will find a cure for breast cancer in my lifetime but I think I’ve found mine. It’s CoppaFeel!.
Huge gratitude to everyone involved at the weekend – artists, comedians, workshops, sponsors, stylists, production team, House Of Vans crew and so many more. I love you.
