Test Fest to take place at Taunton Rugby Club this weekend

Test Fest, a popular festival organised by It's in the Bag, is returning after two years away due to the pandemic. 

It's in the Bag provides hands-on support for men with testicular cancer in the south west and raises awareness of the disease in the region and beyond. 

It helps men from their diagnosis throughout their treatment, tries to make the disease better known about to encourage early detection, and celebrates the 98 per cent survival rate. 

This year's Test Fest ‘fun-raiser’ will be the first held at the rugby club after previously being hosted at Taunton Racecourse.

The ‘music festival with a message’ is looking forward to working with the club and helping it diversify its venue to generate more income. 

Festival organisers Sue Brand and Lloyd Williams said: “We met James Tolman and Nick Mason from the club and they are very supportive of what we are trying to achieve.

“The game of rugby is primarily a men’s sport and what better way to raise awareness of testicular cancer and also support the club.

“They have also allowed us to attend matches to tell the spectators what we are all about.

“We are looking forward to showcasing to the club what we can do”.

Festival organisers have worked with Taunton Rugby Club to make the event possible.

The line-up includes south west band Wille & the Bandits and Danny McMahon, who was named the UK's Country Artist of the Year in 2020.

Returning festival regulars include Twisted Vinyl, Heat Patrol, The Twice Dailies (A Wurzels tribute band), The Sarah C Ryan Band, Sam Swancott, Elevation, The Idle Silence, and No Love Lost.

Some bands from Huish College will also perform at the festival.

There will be a new children's activities tent featuring a session with charity patron Noah Noah, who is best-known for appearing in Crackerjack and 8 Out of 10 Cats. 

Bristol Bears compere and DJ/producer Downsy will be the MC for the day.

The festival will offer a barbecue with vegetarian options, ice creams and doughnuts, hot drinks and beer, prosecco, and local cider. 

Sue and Lloyd added: “Raising awareness is key. We encourage self-checking to ensure early diagnosis.

“We do this in a fun and accessible way by our quirky and eye-catching campaigns, like Keep Calm and Check Your Balls and Keep an Eye on your Tackle.

“The festival is our biggest awareness event of the year. We met Wille in Bideford a few weeks back and the band are so excited to be playing at the festival.”

Test Fest will be held on Saturday, June 18 between 12pm and midnight, with festivalgoers able to camp on-site for two nights. 

For more information or to buy tickets, visit www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/the-test-fest-2022-tickets-159740342665.