Going to festivals is good for our health

Music Festival ZipRoc, which takes place at the historic Penrhyn Quarry on Saturday 15th June is the world’s only festival in a quarry and is dedicated to raising funds to help save and change the lives of people affected by cancer.

[aoa id=”1″]Last year ZipRoc, which is curated by Mike Peters MBE of The Alarm, raised £25,000 to support Mike’s Love Hope Strength Foundation and organisers are hoping this year’s event will help make a real difference again. As part of the day, over 100 people will be zipping down the Velocity zip-line whilst the bands are playing to raise funds to benefit local healthcare services including mental health projects. Some of the band members taking part in ZipRoc will also be taking part in the Love Hope Strength Zip Challenge on the day too. [/aoa]

Lead singer of the headline act, Cast, John Power says,

“We love festival season and we’re particularly looking forward to playing at ZipRoc this year on 15th June. The location, at a Quarry in North Wales, sounds amazing and the event will be raising funds for an amazing cause, the Love Hope Strength Foundation, to help families affected by cancer. Some of us are also looking forward to going on the world’s fastest zip line while we’re there!”

Alongside the fundraising, there are additional health benefits, known as “nature therapy”, which are associated with taking part in an outdoor event like this. 

Delyth Williams, Head of Nursing for Ysbyty Gwynedd and a Trustee of the Love Hope Strength Foundation says, 

“It’s well recognised that being outdoors helps improve memory, fight depression, lower blood pressure and generally boost mental health. 

“Last year’s day at Zip World, with the hike in the day which takes in some of the most beautiful scenery in Snowdonia and the music festival in the evening, certainly gave all of us who took part a great boost. It was a memorable event with a real sense of connection and community in a stunning setting.”

Artists performing this year include Britpop Legends Cast and Miles Hunt of The Wonder Stuff who has had a string of top 10 hits, the hugely talented Bryn Fôn and Elin Fflur and popular local bands Maffia Mr Huws, Celt and Alffa.