Woo Fest shortlisted for two UK national awards

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 26 Oct, 13:37 · Archive

Woo Fest, a music festival in Upton upon Severn that supports St Richard's Hospice, is shortlisted for two UK Festival Awards.

Woo Fest, a music festival held in Upton upon Severn to support St Richard's Hospice, has been shortlisted for two national awards: the Charity Initiative of the Year and the Sarah Nulty Community Impact Award at the 2026 UK Festival Awards.

Founded in 2015 by siblings Ria and Luke Simons after their father was cared for at St Richard's Hospice, the festival relies entirely on voluntary support. Bands perform for free and local businesses donate equipment, sponsorship and services. To date, the festival has raised over £272,000 for the hospice, with £42,000 raised in the current year alone.

Ria Simons said her father 'absolutely loved music' and would be 'pretty pleased' with the festival. She noted that 'nobody makes a penny out of it personally'. The festival was previously named the UK's Best Small Festival at the National Festival Awards in 2019 and 2022. Public voting for the 2026 awards closes on Tuesday, November 3, with the ceremony taking place in Manchester on Tuesday, December 1.

How it is being reported

• Music festival that raises money for local hospice shortlisted for two UK awardsWoo Fest, a festival held in Upton upon Severn in support of St Richard’s Hospice, is in the running for two national awards.Malvern Gazette · 26 Oct, 13:12
• Music festival that raises money for local hospice shortlisted for two UK awardsWoo Fest, a festival held in Upton upon Severn in support of St Richard’s Hospice, is in the running for two national awards.Worcester News · 26 Oct, 13:12

In this story: Woo Fest · St Richard's Hospice · Ria Simons · Luke Simons · John Simons · Upton upon Severn · Manchester

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