Russell Howard to headline Future Perfect Festival

by Andrew Jackson on 30.05.11

TV star to headline inaugural music and arts festival in memory of cancer victim friend.

COMEDIAN Russell Howard is to headline a new charity festival in Manchester this summer.

The Mock the Week star, aged 31, will perform at this year’s inaugural Future Perfect festival at Castlefield Outdoor Arena on June 25.
The music and arts event, which will feature the cream of established and emerging acts including Chameleons Vox and The Rainband was set up by Linda Wyatt to raise money for charity cancer The Christie after her son Lee, a keen artist and musician, died from bowel cancer in April 2010, aged 25.

She said: “Lee used music and art as a form of escapism to help him cope with the most difficult and darkest days imaginable. Totally immersing himself by producing music and art distracted him from the reality of terminal illness.
“He believed that music and art should never be underestimated as a form of therapy – regardless of age or ability. A fantastic song or painting took him to another place in his mind, relieving the stress of physical and emotional pain.”
Russell, who became good friends with Lee during his 15-month battle, agreed to perform free of charge after Linda decided to continue her son’s dream of creating an annual event.

She said: “While Lee was at Durham University, Lee together with 3 friends organised a two day music & art festival called Future Perfect. Little did Lee know that his future was anything but perfect, but with the advancements being made in cancer treatments I believe that the future could be perfect. It was Lee’s dream to make the festival an annual event and I therefore decided to carry on the festival in memory of Lee as it is a befitting tribute to a extraordinarily gifted and talented young man. During his illness Lee was courageous beyond belief and an inspiration to all cancer patients.

Russell met with Lee and they had an amazing day out in Manchester. It gave Lee a much needed boost to his spirits and some wonderful memories. Lee and Russell got on like a house on fire and kept in touch after their surprise meeting. I can’t thank Russell enough for the kindness he showed Lee and for agreeing to perform at Future Perfect 2. Russell is a fantastic, genuine guy and Lee would be absolutely thrilled and delighted”.

Russell added: “I only met Lee and his mum briefly but they had a massive impact upon me. He’s one of the most inspirational people I’ve ever met so to do a gig in memory of him is an honour and a privilege”
The family festival running from 11am to 9pm – organised in conjunction with Clive Leighton of Public-i Music Events – will house 4 stages of live music including a double Main Stage, DJs, comedy, poetry, dance, and photography and art exhibition.

Other attractions will include magic, face painting and street theatre.
For a full breakdown of Festival content please check the website www.futureperfectmanchester.co.uk

The Festival will also see the birth of the Lee Wyatt Creative Bursary. This is a 3 age group competition all receiving a £100 prize; juniors, high school, open age. Submissions can be anything creative from art, photography or craftwork. Please check the website for details.

Knowing how important the extraordinary work is that The Christie does and how it needs constant support, all profits from Future Perfect will be donated to The Christie – where Lee was treated.

Tickets cost £20 or £5 for children under 12. Under 5’s Free if accompanied by an adult.

Family tickets of 2 adults and 2 children cost £45*.

For more information visit www.futureperfectmanchester.co.uk