the small 100% volunteer powered charity supported by big hearts ♥
'Bands for Bravery' Music Festival
June 20 - 22nd 2025
It's going to be Legendary!
Oi oi, music lovers and festival goers! Get ready to unleash your inner rockstar at Bands for Bravery 2025, returning to the beautiful Longthorns Farm in Dorset from June 20-22, 2025!
This year is going to be bigger and better than ever, with three days of non-stop live music.
What Awaits You?
🎶 Music that Moves You: Discover your new favourite band with a diverse lineup spanning ska, punk, folk, rock 'n' roll, and more! We've got some exciting new acts lined up, plus some returning favourites. Catch special guest appearances, including the legendary RatRace, one of the UK's top ska bands! We're also excited to welcome Kirsten Orsborn, the official "Forces Sweetheart," known for her incredible vocal range and dedication to supporting our troops.
👨👩👧👦 Family Fun Zone: Bands for Bravery is the perfect festival for music lovers of all ages! We've got loads of activities to keep the little ones entertained, including face painting, bouncy castles, and more!
😋 Feast Your Senses: Indulge in a culinary adventure with our legendary Saturday Hog Roast, sizzling BBQs throughout the weekend, and a wide array of food stalls offering everything from gourmet burgers to vegan treats.
🎪 Immerse Yourself: Explore impressive military static displays, discover unique traders and artisans in our exhibition area, and soak up the vibrant festival atmosphere.
🏕️ Camp Under the Stars: Choose from luxurious glamping options or traditional camping and make Bands for Bravery a weekend to remember. Longthorns Farm offers a variety of accommodations, from basic camping and caravans to cosy shepherd huts and eco-pods. You can even enjoy the unique experience of staying in a TipiCo, a modern take on the traditional tipi, perfect for the unpredictable British weather.
Why Bands for Bravery?
Helping Homeless Veterans UK is a 100% volunteer-powered charity dedicated to supporting our country's homeless veterans. Every pound raised goes directly towards providing veterans with the help they need. No one is salaried.
Founded in 2019, HHVUK has already helped 610+ veterans find permanent housing and rebuild their lives.
Here are just a few examples of the incredible impact HHVUK has had:
You can read many more testimonials here, as well as see our video.
More than just a Festival...
Supporting Homeless Veterans
Bands for Bravery is more than just a music festival. It's a chance to come together, celebrate incredible music, and support a cause that truly matters. Every ticket sold helps Helping Homeless Veterans UK provide vital support to veterans in need. For example, a recent life changing project was The Talbot Mews.
About Longthorns Farm
Longthorns Farm is a picturesque working farm nestled in the heart of rural Dorset, providing a beautiful backdrop for our festival revelry. Here's a taste of what makes Longthorns Farm so special:
-
Spacious and Scenic: With ample space for camping, glamping, multiple stages, and all our exciting activities, Longthorns provides a relaxed and comfortable environment for festival-goers.
-
Alpacas and More! The farm is home to a friendly bunch of alpacas, along with sheep, horses, pigs, goats, and more! It's a great opportunity to get up close to nature and enjoy the countryside charm.
-
Woodland Walks: Explore the farm's enchanting woodland trails and escape the hustle and bustle for a moment of tranquillity.
-
Stargazing Haven: With minimal light pollution, Longthorns Farm offers incredible opportunities for stargazing. After the music winds down, grab a blanket and be mesmerised by the night sky.
-
Close to Attractions: Longthorns Farm is conveniently located near popular Dorset attractions like Monkey World, The Tank Museum, and the stunning Jurassic Coast.
-
Dog-friendly: The farm welcomes well-behaved dogs and even has a dedicated dog paddock for off-the-lead exercise.
Acts Lineup
Get ready for an unforgettable weekend of live music at Bands for Bravery 2025! The festival will feature three days of non-stop music across multiple stages, with a diverse lineup spanning ska, punk, folk, rock 'n' roll, and more!
Headline Acts
RatRace
RatRace is a nine-piece ska band from Dorset who have been performing since 1999. They're known for their high-energy live shows and their unique blend of classic two-tone ska and original music. RatRace is considered one of the UK's top ska bands, drawing influence from iconic groups like The Specials, Madness, and Bad Manners.
They are dedicated to giving back, with all profits from their merchandise sales going to charity. You can find out more about RatRace, including information about each band member, upcoming gigs, photos, and videos, on their website: www.ratraceska.com. They also have a YouTube channel featuring live performances and a band introduction.
Other Acts - TBA
Stay tuned for announcements about other bands and special guest appearances! You can be the first to know about band announcements and festival news by signing up for the newsletter.
Don't miss out on this incredible weekend of music and fun!
Kirsten Orsborn
Kirsten Orsborn, the official "Forces Sweetheart", is an acclaimed Welsh vocalist known for her versatility and extensive repertoire that ranges from swing and jazz to pop and disco. Starting her singing journey at the young age of six, she has graced numerous prestigious venues, including theatres, concert halls, holiday parks, cruise ships, and even The Royal Hospital of Chelsea. Kirsten has a deep commitment to supporting British troops and regularly performs at military bases across the UK and internationally. In 2014, she was officially adopted by The Royal Marines as their New Forces Sweetheart, a title that reflects her continuous performances at significant events.
Beyond her work with the armed forces, Kirsten is also a successful solo and recording artist, captivating audiences with her dazzling stage presence and beautiful voice. Her 2017 album, 'Songbird,' showcases her vocal prowess and creative range. You can explore her music, videos, and find information about her upcoming performances on her website: kirstenorsbornofficial.co.uk, YouTube channel: Kirsten Orsborn Music, and Instagram: @kirstenorsborn.
Big Thank You to this Event's Sponsors 🙏🏻
 |  |  |
|---|---|---|
 |
Entertainments, Family Activities,
Food, Fun + MORE!
Bands for Bravery is more than just a music festival; it's an experience designed for the whole family.
Family Fun for Everyone
The festival boasts a dedicated Family Fun Zone, ensuring a weekend filled with laughter and entertainment for all ages. Here's a taste of the activities you can expect:
-
Face Painting: Let your creativity run wild with colourful face painting designs.
-
Bouncy Castles: Jump and play in the inflatable wonderland of bouncy castles.
-
Games and Activities: A wide range of games and activities will keep the young ones engaged and entertained throughout the festival.
Beyond the dedicated Family Fun Zone, the festival cultivates a safe and welcoming atmosphere throughout, making it an ideal weekend for families, music lovers, and everyone in between.
Beyond the Music
The festival offers a diverse range of activities and exhibitions to keep you entertained beyond the music stages.
-
Military Static Displays: Explore impressive military static displays, showcasing the history and machinery of the armed forces.
-
Traders and Artisans: Discover unique and handcrafted treasures in the exhibition area, where local traders and artisans will showcase their skills and wares.
-
Woodland Walks and Alpaca Encounters: Longthorns Farm, the picturesque setting for Bands for Bravery, provides a chance to connect with nature. Enjoy leisurely woodland walks and meet the farm's charming alpacas, along with a variety of other farm animals.
-
Stargazing: Take advantage of Longthorns Farm's minimal light pollution and enjoy breathtaking views of the night sky.
Delicious Food & Drink
Fuel up for a weekend of music and fun with a variety of delicious food and drink options:
-
Saturday Hog Roast: Don't miss the legendary Saturday Hog Roast, a highlight of the festival's culinary offerings.
-
BBQs Galore: Sizzling BBQs will be fired up throughout the weekend, offering classic festival fare.
-
Diverse Food Stalls: A diverse range of food stalls will cater to all tastes, from gourmet burgers to vegan delights, ensuring everyone finds something to satisfy their cravings.
-
Onsite Farm Shop and Barn Bar: During peak season, Longthorns Farm also offers a convenient farm shop and a bar for early evening drinks and snacks.
Join Bands for Bravery 2025 for an unforgettable weekend of music, family fun, and culinary delights!
Accommodation Options
Bands for Bravery at Longthorns Farm offers a variety of accommodation options to suit all preferences:
Camping
-
Traditional Camping: Enjoy back-to-nature camping with spacious 12m pitches, campfires allowed, and quiet evenings under the stars.
-
Caravans & Motorhomes: Ample pitches with electric hook-up are available for caravans and motorhomes, set in well-maintained fields with excellent facilities close by.
Glamping
-
Shepherds Huts: Experience a taste of the simple life in a cosy Shepherd's Hut, complete with basic furnishings and a potbelly stove.
-
Eco-Pods: The eco-pods offer budget-friendly glamping, providing a comfortable alternative to pitching a tent. Bring your camping equipment, but you won't need beds or a tent.
-
TipeeCo: Enjoy the beauty and charm of a traditional tipi with the added benefit of weather resistance. The TipeeCo offers a unique and comfortable glamping experience.
Additional Accommodation Notes:
-
The campsite is open all year
-
There are excellent facilities on site, including shower and toilet blocks
-
Dog-friendly glamping options are available
