THE legacy of Viola Beach guitarist River Reeves is set to live on following a highly successful “RivFest” at Priestley College.
Backed by Coldplay’s frontman Chris Martin, who sent a special video message of support which was broadcast at the event (see above), organisers are determined to deliver an even “bigger and better” RivFest 2017.
Family friend Rae Carr, who is also a trustee of the River Reeves Foundation, a legacy to River’s “short but wonderful life” said: “If we can deliver this in two weeks imagine what we can produce with a whole year to plan it.”
The aim of the legacy is to provide bursaries and grants for young people across Warrington to give them that financial ‘small step’ and help them build a future within the arts, whether as actors, musicians, artists, directors, writers, singers etc.
There will also be a focus on those from more disadvantaged backgrounds.
Working closely with Priestley College and Bridgewater High School the Foundation will provide grants to support Priestley’s PETT Charity (Priestley Education & Training Trust).
River’s father Penketh Head teacher Ben Dunn and his step mother Sharon and his seven siblings were all at the RivFest event.
Younger brother Gabriel Reeves opened the show with his band Pink Lady.
More than 10 local bands took part in the event.
River’s father Ben added: “Having had such a wonderful first event thanks to the support of the music industry, the borough council and Priestley College, who knows what we can achieve next year.
“River dared to dream, so will we!”
River died tragically alongside his fellow band members Kris Leonard, Tom Lowe and Jack Dakin and manager Craig Tarry, when their car careered into a canal in Sweden during the early hours of February 13 this year.
A special fund has also been set up to create a lasting memorial to the band within the town.
PICTURES PAUL JACKSON
For more pictures from Paul Jackson CLICK HERE
