£24,000 raised in Emma's memory (From Witney Gazette)

£24,000 raised in Emma's memory

9:00am Wednesday 6th September 2006 in Witney

MORE than 1,000 revellers attended a two-day charity music festival in memory of a Chipping Norton teenager.

s=8The Emma's Trust festival hosted about 30 bands, craft stalls, and family activities at New Chalford Farm on Friday and Saturday. It was the second music festival organised by the trust - set up in memory of Emma Curtis-Smith - raising more than £24,000.

In June 2005, Miss Curtis-Smith suffered a collapsed lung, which led to a major heart attack, as she watched her boyfriend on his first parade as an officer at Sandhurst.

Miss Curtis-Smith, a sports leader and accomplished dancer, died three days later, aged 18.

Three months later, the trust was formed, and the first festival was held.

Miss Curtis-Smith's cousin, Ian Nolan, who is also a trustee and the event organiser, said this year's festival had been a huge success.

He added: "It's gone really well. We've had lots of people here, despite the windy weather."

"Everyone's been really excited by the range of music on offer, and it shows what can be achieved when a community works together."

Mr Nolan said about 400 people had attended the festival on Friday, with a further 500 or 600 people on Saturday.

He added: "We have raised more than £24,000 for the trust, and all that money will go towards our grant programme."

The Trust, which raised £30,000 in its first year, helps young people who are interested in sport and performing arts.