Supergrass, Reef and The Primitives to headline UK’s largest booze-free festival in Kent
Founded by recovering alcoholics Lee and Shaun Fennings, the Rise Up Festival promises all the fun but without the hangover at Headcorn Aerodrome
It’s been quite the journey for brothers Lee and Shaun Fennings, the duo behind lifestyle and alcohol-free drinks brand Rok Soba (@roksoba).
Seven years ago they were both living a life dependent on alcohol, until their worlds crashed down around them.
They narrowly escaped a prison sentence after an incident in a bar, they lost their professional city careers, their marriages, and along with bankruptcy their health was suffering
But the brothers, determined to pull themselves together and with the support of loved ones, turned their lives around.
They launched Rok Soba in 2017 after being sober for three years and it has grown to become a recognised brand, with merchandise and a range of alcohol-free drinks, promoting the mindset to drink more mindfully.
And now, they have announced the latest part in their Rok Soba journey, with the launch of the UK’s largest booze-free festival, Rise Up (@theriseupfestival).
The family-friendly event takes place from Friday, May 27 to Sunday, May 29 at Headcorn Aerodrome in Ashford, with live music, food, activities and camping facilities.
Supergrass, Reef, The Primitives and Peter Hook and the Light are playing as well as Kent’s own Coco and the Butterfields.
Man Like Malcolm, Milky and Veridian are also performing alongside an eclectic mix of others.
On their website, the brothers explain: “All of this is a catalyst to changing lives, giving people hope and proving that good times can be had without alcohol.
“This was the reason for the Rok Soba Foundation, which will be used to reskill recovering addicts for career opportunities, given we ourselves struggled to find work with a criminal record and the stigma associated with alcoholism.
“The Foundation will eventually allow us to introduce Inspiration Centres, allowing a safe and inspirational place to hang out for those who choose not to drink or are struggling with addiction.
“Presented by Rok Soba, The Rise Up Festival will be the first and largest of its kind in the UK, and will help us achieve our goals, whilst offering the public a truly unique and memorable experience.”
See https://theriseupfestival.com/ for more information and tickets.
