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Martin House hosts accessible music festival for young people

Monday, 2 November 2026 at 14:49

Martin House Children's Hospice hosted its annual special accessible music festival 'LodgeFest.'

Around 150 people attended an accessible music festival at Martin House Children's Hospice.

The annual LodgeFest event gave young people with complex needs and their families the chance to enjoy live bands, DJ sets and entertainment.

The hospice transformed its grounds into a festival site, complete with a tepee, gaming tent, food stalls, glitter face painting and a graffiti wall.

Named after the hospice’s teenage and young adult unit, the Lodge, the festival first took place in 2017 as part of Martin House’s 30th anniversary celebrations.

This year’s event had a video game theme.

Vicki Greensmith, Director of Clinical Services at Martin House, said:

“LodgeFest is all about giving the young people we support the chance to enjoy the same experiences as other teenagers and young adults – listening to live music, spending time with friends and simply having fun.

“For some, attending a mainstream festival can be difficult because of their medical or accessibility needs.

"At Martin House, we can create that experience in an environment where those needs are supported, so young people and their families can relax and enjoy the day together.”

Jayne Geall, whose daughters Lily-Rose and Tia have been supported by Martin House, said:

“It’s brilliant, for children who can’t get to a normal festival, it means the world.

"There’s always so much going on – you can see the smiles on people’s faces. It’s the best experience.”

Martin House cares for around 550 children and young people with life-shortening conditions across West, North and East Yorkshire each year, alongside supporting their families.

The event was sponsored by HARIBO UK, which has supported the hospice for 18 years.

Tabea Powell, Head of Communications at HARIBO UK, said:

“We’re delighted to support LodgeFest and see first-hand an experience where the young people supported by Martin House are able to make special memories with those closest to them.”

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