OH festival gears up to raise money for Our Hero (From Halesowen News)

OH festival gears up to raise money for Our Hero

4:50pm Friday 6th July 2012 in Local

ORGANISERS are hoping for a good turnout to support Saturday’s OH Festival in Old Hill which will raise money to help Our Hero Luke Hemming who lost his legs in a bomb blast in Afghanistan.

A military procession will be held through the town and the fun day at Spring Meadow will feature a host of stalls, funfair and a music festival, showcasing local bands.

Performing between 1pm and 5.30pm will be Neverland Express, Carnaby Street, Tony Homer, The Emissaries and Reggae Magic.

Another highlight of the afternoon will be a 15 minute fire eating performance.

Co-organiser Lisa Saunders said: “There will be plenty happening at Spring Meadow alongside the music festival for people of all ages.”

Stalls will include tombolas, a coconut shy, jewellery, handbags, holistic gifts, food and refreshments.

Rescued parrots will be on show and there will be a display of sand sculpting, an army climbing wall, an eco bus and a children’s fun bus, plus a living statue.

The King’s Own Regiment Military Band, veterans, Royal British Legion Riders, cadets, clowns, stilt walkers and the fire service will take part in the parade.

It will set off from Highgate Street at 12.15pm and make its way up Halesowen Road to Spring Road.

An evening music concert at Spring Meadow has already been sold-out and new to the event, now its fourth year, will be an end of festival family service at Spring Meadow Baptist Chapel on Sunday at 10.30am, to which all are welcome.

It is hoped the Private Hemming, from Rowley Regis, will be able to attend the festival and the money raised will go towards his rehabilitation.

The 21-year-old suffered horrific injuries when he stepped on an IED (improvised explosive device) while on foot patrol to clear the Nad E Ali province of Taliban rule, last November, while serving with the 2nd Battalion The Mercian Regiment.