Event to mark 21st birthday of girl tragically killed showjumping
A music festival is being held in Dorset in memory of a teenager who died while warming up for a showjumping class.
EllaFest takes place on 25 June to mark the young rider’s 21st birthday.
Ella Pallister suffered a fatal head injury in a fall at Kingston Maurward Equestrian Centre on 27 January 2013.
The 17-year-old was airlifted to Southampton hospital, but died three days later.
All funds raised from EllaFest will be donated to the Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance.
“All Ella wanted to do was ride and ride at the top. Hopefully we’ll raise a huge amount of money for a great cause that means something to all horse riders,” said Caroline Goode, who was one of Ella’s best friends and is on the organising committee.
The festival being held at Goose Hill, Portesham near Weymouth features music from Legoman, Ansell & Gretel, George & The Red Rangers, The WTF Band, Wilson, Till There Was Uke, Hustle and Slipstream.
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The date is the nearest Saturday to Ella’s 21st birthday on 22 June.
“Ella always had a lovely birthday party at home, so we decided we’ve got to get through the day with a good party,” said Brenda Parker, another festival organiser.
The festival is not the first fundraiser organiser by Ella’s friends and family.
Related articles:
- Teenage rider’s death was a ‘tragic accident’
- Girl, 12, dies after riding accident
- Cattistock joint-master to run a marathon in memory of Fiona Vigar and Ella Pallister
Team Ella P, as they are known, organised two other events in 2013, one on Ella’s 18th birthday, which together raised £25,000.
The funds were divided between the Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance and the neurology department at Southampton hospital.
EllaFest tickets cost £10 in advance by calling 01308 897232 (they will be sent in the post) or £15 on the day.
Gates open at 2pm and the festival finishes at 10.30pm.
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