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INTERNATIONAL SUPERSTAR
DJ DANNY RAMPLING
Reads Rocker Bye Baby
Richard Webb-Stevens: An inspirational London Ambulance Paramedic who has dedicated his career to saving lives – including during the Westminster Bridge terror attack in 2017. He has been presented with the Queens Ambulance Service Medal for distinguished service, during a prestigious ceremony hosted by His Majesty King Charles III.
“This amazing book by Claire Mear, narrates a devastating event that no parents should go through & talks about something that we seldom learn about. Claire’s phenomenal testimony gives us hope through her honesty, compassion & love. It is one phenomenal book!”
Richard Webb-Stevens.
March 2023
Declan Lowney is a very funny Irish Film and Television Director.
He has directed many of the UK's best-loved TV comedies, from the cult hit Father Ted, to the comedy juggernaut Little Britain. He's a six-time BAFTA Nominee and two-time BAFTA winner for comedy direction, and two of his shows have won International EMMYs, including Ted Lasso.
"Powerful and so very moving, Claire’s story has given me a fresh perspective on the tragedy of stillbirth.
The writing is raw and touches deeply. A beautiful and heart wrenching book, that left me uplifted.
Thank you Claire and Brian for sharing your amazing story.”
Declan Lowney.
MEARFEST HISTORY
A Brief History of Mearfest
Beginnings
2010-2016
Brian Mear, a paramedic in Berkshire for 30 years, founded Mearfest in 2010 after losing his mother, Sally Mear, to cancer. To honour her indomitable spirit, he organized a rock music festival to raise funds for cancer and hospice charities. Despite having no prior experience, Brian built the first stage by hand and managed the entire event using his Nokia 3310, spending just £34.20. The event was a sell-out success. Shortly after, Brian met Claire, who had experience in the music industry. Together, they hosted three annual events from 2011 to 2016, raising funds for various charities.
2013-2024
In their mid-forties, Brian and Claire were thrilled to be expecting their first child in August 2013. Tragically, Molly Mear was stillborn at 40 weeks on August 12, 2013. This devastating loss brought the couple closer together, and they married six months later in April 2014. In 2016, they decided to share their heart-breaking story to raise awareness about stillbirth and its emotional impact. Mearfest was rebranded with a new focus, featuring Molly’s handprint as their copyrighted logo. This symbol has kept her spirit alive, allowing hearts to beat to the rhythm of rock. Mearfest, specializing in the New Wave of British Heavy Metal (NWOBHM), has united people from various musical backgrounds. Molly’s memory has forged new friendships globally, especially among grieving fathers who found a platform to share their experiences and seek support.
Achievements
- £6,000 for The Willows support group for stillbirth charity in Berkshire.
- £2,194 for the Royal Berkshire Hospital stillbirth unit.
- £10,000 for Down Syndrome North East, as Molly was a Down’s baby.
- Around £6,000 for other smaller charities .
2020
Mearfest did not twiddle their thumbs during lockdowns, they got everyone supporting CRADLE, a miscarriage and baby loss group, by donating toiletries and other necessary items to parents in hospitals across the UK.
Challenges and Resilience
The future looked bright for Mearfest, with growing support and interest from bands. However, the COVID-19 pandemic forced the cancellation of the June 2020 event. Despite this setback, they donated all ticket money to their chosen charities including S.A.N.D.S and continued fundraising through online events, raising £1,000 for Cradle on Molly’s 7th birthday.
- During October 2020, Brian participated in the 'WALKED FOR SANDS' campaign for Baby Loss Awareness Month, raising £1,468.16.
- In February 2021, Claire’s Facebook birthday fundraiser for SANDS brought in £700.00.
- In March 2021, Brian teamed up with Danny Hynes from Weapon UK to create a unique download album featuring 14 songs by 14 bands, raising £1,291.00 for the SANDS Challenge 14.
- June 25th, Brian undertook the SANDS 100km (64 miles) challenge, starting his walk at 4am and finishing at 1am the next day around the north Norfolk coast line where they live, successfully raising £2,882.17.
2022 Mearfest returned to Trillian’s in Newcastle post-COVID, creating a calm yet vibrant atmosphere with fantastic bands and delightful activities throughout the day. Victorius stole the show, earning the title of Band of the Year with a performance that had the entire venue shaking!
2023 Mearfest ventured to a new venue, The Queens Hall in Nuneaton, known as the Rock and Metal centre of the UK. Despite nearly selling out, a countrywide train strike that weekend prevented many from attending. Nevertheless, the event was a success, with Hedra, a small rock band from Norfolk, delivering a spectacular performance and earning the Band of the Year title.
2024 Mearfest at The Queens Hall was one of the best yet, spanning two days and attracting many new attendees. Cloven Hoof electrified the crowd on Friday, August 30th, followed by Thunderstick, who brought a rock circus to town on Saturday. The anticipation is high for who will be crowned Band of the Year this time!
Brian and Claire’s resilience and dedication have ensured that Mearfest continues to thrive, providing a positive platform for support and awareness.
MEARFEST FUND RAISING FROM 2000-2023
MEARFEST FAMILYWe wish to thank the following who have been vital in our quest to make our events exciting and professional.
BANDS Cloven Hoof, Gypsys Kiss, Trojan, Rabstallion, Seventh Son, The Dead List, Overdrive, General Jack, Clientelle, Hedra, The Hitmen, Quartz, Desolation Angels, Sacred Alien, Fallen Mafia, Stormchild, The Undaclass, The Crimson Brigade, Sister Rose, Skyrider, Dark Heart, Dethonator, Thunderstick, Airforce, Weapon UK, Quartz, Chemikill, Rampant, Victorius Empire, Dead can wait, Blackmayne, Denial of Humanity, Abaddon, Jack Mylchreest, Snatchback, Stuckfish, Ray Phillips band, Culloden, Quartz, Bawls Out, The Bandoliers, Trespass, Kaine, The Deep, Desolation Angels, Satan's Empire, Troyen, Sacrilege, Not fit for humans, Avenger, Tysondog, Spartan Warrior, Mandora, Millennium, The Clan, Damaj, Wounded Cross, State of Anxiety, The PFJ, Dealer, Malleus, Neverworld, Toledo Steel, GANG, Osmium Guillotine, The Darker my Horizon, Desolate Pathway, Nitroville, Hammerex, Dai Herbert, DJ Dawn King. ADDITIONAL MEGA SUPPORT Rich Burlingham-The Crew Nuneaton, Jenna Cart, John Hook, Louise Beck, Richard Horton, Ross Tidmus, Paul Proctor, Chris Borrosh, Jeff Badley, Neil Cook, Darren Joyce DJ, Tim Perry, Glennis Ishy, Daniel Boon, Jon Mikl THOR, LIPS from ANVIL, Karl Wilcox-Diamond Head, Steve Grimmett, Ray Phillips, Tracey Lamb-Girlschool, Bill Gang. PHOTOGRAPHERS Les Linyard, Kevin Hargrave, Claire Mear, Jim Donnelly, Martyn Turner, Steve Ritchie, Jon Wilmer, Gosha, Ian Coult, John Lambton, David Wilson, Ruth Hindson, Christophe Vernimmen, Rebel Crow, Nick Grimley. Christopher Francis, STAGE SOUND LIGHTS MANAGERS Ross Tidmus, Matt the lighting engineer, Ian Coult, Alison Metcalfe, John Bell for his brilliant sound machine & Abi Martin. Saffron studios Alex Perry, Jon WIlmer Dave Hills, Shaun Young, Gary Young ARTWORK Amber Woodhead - Dragon eye logos Martin Walkyier - Molly and all our t-shirt's printer Graham Orion Pax - our main poster man! Daniel Skalpel - patches Robin Brancher - 1st poster & 1979 design Tysondog Steve - (Molly hand of bands) Andy Wallis - 2010-2018-backstage passes Angela Holland-Yousaf - MEARFEST poster Steve Ellis - for your poetry Claire Mear - Absolutely everything else! VOLUNTEERS & KIND FOLK! Kita Morton, Paul Proctor, Chris Borrosh, Jenna Marie Cart, Dave Bonney, Marie Edwards, Ian Purvis for millions of guitar picks, Mick Durion, Karen Barker, Aidan Tierney, Ultan Tierney, Pete Hood, Keith Adams, Peter Adams, Barrie Dorling, Linda Dorling, John Bellinger, Ruth Moore, Jim Miller, Daniel Boon, Ian Warner & Richard Johnson MF south security, Adam Mear, Simon Meer, Glennis Irish, Verina Charlesworth, Paula Evans, Vikki Rutherford, Andrew Ormston, Ian Coult, Linda Campbell, John Dunn, Nick and Nikki Patterson, Gosha, Sarah-J Gentil, Chris Gentil, Keith and Gemma Sallis, Uncle John, Gosha & Tom, Revd Carl Flynn Edwards for your prayers, Alva Chapman and Ella, Angela Holland & Carol Lyon for babysitting Amélie. SUPPORTERS & DONATIONS This list of individual names is endless, we thank you all on behalf of all our charities Donations for struggling individuals during 2016-24 £1800.00 S.A.N.D.S (310,00 steps) 10.2021 £164.00 S.A.N.D.S (100km walk) 06.2021 £2842.17 S.A.N.D.S (Challenge 14) 03. 2021 £1291.00 S.A.N.D.S (Birthday fund) 02. 2021 £900.00 S.A.N.D.S (310 mile walk) 10. 2020 £1458.00 Trillian's (Covid fund) 2020 £200.00 Cradle 2020 £1000.00 Our Angel Bears 2019 £150.00 DS North East 2017-22 £11,000.00 Willow Support Group 2016-18 £5770.00 Steve Grimmett Fund 2018 £500.00 Charity for Kids 2017 £400.00 Reading Hospital 2013 £2194.99 Trinity Hospice 2012 £2000.00 Thames Valley Hospice 2010-12 £4959.00 Other causes 2000-2009 £24,995.00 TOTAL RAISED £61,631.16 |
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