JoyFest was born in 2025 out of a mother’s love and a community’s instinct to show up. It began as a mission to fund a specially adapted bike for Junior, a boy who doctors said might never walk, talk or breathe on his own. Junior, born with Hemimegalencephaly, had thousands of seizures before his first birthday, and has had six brain surgeries at Great Ormond Street Hospital. He took his first independent steps age five and finally walked unaided at eight years old. He continues to inspire the impossible and leave a trail of belly laughs in his midst.
Junior's Mum Lillette, knew she wasn’t just raising money, she was strengthening a community around children's needs and building a movement that enrichens childhood. She created the first JoyFest as a thank you.
Claire and Ade opened the gates of Caracol Glamping in Groombridge, and the land held us. JoyFest arrived like a heartbeat. People came. They shared, created, learned, taught, held space. The children stole the show, stepping onto the outdoor stage in bursts of courage. Singing. Dancing. Reading poetry with brave voices. We extended ‘Open Talent’ on the spot; nobody wanted to stop.
Painting, Reiki, Homeopathy, Tarot and Yoga under the canopies in the woodlands of Kent. Poetry with Dan and Hannah from WordUp! Dan Jordan and Shep performing live. A living community mural guided by Georgina Luck. A spinning wheel demonstration that became a circle of curiosity. Food that fed bodies and stories. DJs Will and Paulo spinning amapiano amongst other great genres & vibes.
Junior's Joy
A second-hand specialist bike appeared, immaculate, cared for by a couple who had kept it as if they knew a child would come along who needed it. There are no coincidences, the universe moved so that the bike was delivered on Junior’s birthday, just twelve hours after it was purchased online. His wish was granted.
10% of all ticket sales go directly to The Joy Grant.
Junior was told he might never walk, talk or breathe alone, and now he will ride his specially adapted bike with wind in his hair and a grin that could power a village. That bike was funded by community and is proof that when people come together, dreams become reality.
JoyFest exists because of community. If one child’s bike can change a life, what else is possible?
