Leeds children's festival to aid cancer research charity

Geronimo, which comes to Harewood House for the first time this year, is working with Cancer Research UK Kids and Teens during 2016.

Visitors to the festival taking place on May 1 and 2 will help fundraise for the charity, which raises money for research specifically into cancers affecting children, teenagers and young adults.

Claire Rowney, director of Cancer Research UK Kids and Teens, said: “Every year, around 130 children in Yorkshire and the Humber are diagnosed with cancer – so we’re hugely grateful to Geronimo for choosing to raise money for Kids and Teens.

“Back in the 1960s, only around a quarter of children with cancer survived. Today, three quarters are cured and our work has been at the heart of this.

“Geronimo’s support will help us carry out more research to help find better and kinder treatments for young people with cancer.”

Fundraising initiatives include optional donations on tickets, merchandise, bucket collections and a clothes drive at the two festival sites at Harewood House and in Tatton Park, Cheshire.

All proceeds will go towards the organisation, which was launched at the start of last year and aims to boost awareness as well as funds.

Festival director Simon Goldman said: “Geronimo is the biggest family festival in the UK and we are delighted to be supporting Cancer Research UK Kids and Teens in 2016.

“We’re calling on all Geronimites to join us in helping to save and improve the lives of children with cancer by raising funds which will, ultimately, help fund research into cures and kinder treatments.”

The Yorkshire Evening Post has joined forces with Geronimo in a media partnership to celebrate the events coming to Leeds.

Children’s television favourite Justin Fletcher, known as Mr Tumble, is to headline at Harewood House on May 1.

The star, from the CBeebies shows Justin’s House and Gigglebiz, will perform his signature act.

As well as live performances from Mr Tumble, there will also be appearances from fellow stars Mr Bloom, Cook and Line from Swashbuckle and Andy Day.

Other activities include a full circus, three live theatre productions, a Victorian fun fair, camel rides, a new theatre and literary zone and live music.

Alex Winters from Cbeebies will be hosting the main stage each day, along with meet and greets for visitors. Other attractions for tots include baby yoga and ballet, while older children will be able to try den-building and a thrilling zip line.

For tickets, visit www.geronimofest.com or for more on Cancer Research UK Kids and Teens, visit www.cruk.org/kidsandteens.