On Saturday 6 September, hundreds of people will come together at The Drill in Lincoln for ‘CroftFest’, a music festival to celebrate the life of Ben Croft – a music fan, lover of Japanese culture, and friend who made a lasting impact on everyone who knew him.
Event organiser Scott Cooper explained how he has created the music festival in his best friend’s memory.
Having met at Lincoln College when they were both 16 and studying on the same music performance course, Ben and Scott realised they went to the same primary school, though they didn’t know each other back then.
They played in the same band at college and spent a lot of time together. Scott talks of how Ben was incredibly kind and self-depreciating, with a dry sense of humour, and one of the most intelligent people he’s ever met.
Ben lived with a muscle wasting condition and was in a wheelchair from the age of eight or nine. But he never let it stop him doing what he loved. After college, the pair continued to play in a band, and Ben moved into music production.
When Ben died at the end of last year, aged 32, Scott knew that he wanted to do something to honour him and celebrate his life. He was passionate about music, something he shared with Scott and his whole family, so putting on a music festival in his memory seemed like the most fitting thing to do.
“I wanted to bring together everything Ben loved and combine that with raising money for an important cause so that we can make a real difference,” said Scott.
Scott is hoping to raise £10,000 and make it an annual event – a legacy for Ben.
When he came up with the idea of CroftFest, Scott decided to use it as an opportunity to raise money for Muscular Dystrophy UK. There will be live music from metal and punk bands, including a headline performance from alt-metal band Defences who have toured across the UK and appeared at Download Festival, as well as local stalls, food, merchandise and prizes.
Along with music and gaming, Ben loved Japanese culture, and the pair visited Japan together in 2017. Restaurant chain wagamama, which is inspired by Japanese ramen bars, has agreed to support the event.
For Scott, it’s important that, in addition to raising money, this event also helps to increase awareness of muscular dystrophy.
He said: “I’m hoping that CroftFest will bring together 500 people to celebrate Ben’s life and raise money to help Muscular Dystrophy UK fund vital research and support others living with a muscle wasting condition.”
With Ben’s family there on the day, they are supportive of Scott holding the festival in his memory. “I think he’d be proud and gutted that he’s not here to be part of it. It’s the type of event I know he’d love and it’s an honour to do this for him,” said Scott.
Tickets for CroftFest in Lincoln on 6 September cost £27.50pp including booking fee, and profits will help fund research and support for individuals living with muscle wasting conditions. Click here for tickets to the event.
