Charity Spotlight: Musical fundraiser to drum up vital funds in fight against brain tumours
A student-led DJ collective that founded, designed, and coordinated a full-scale electronic music festival, art exhibition, and fundraising event last year is to host another event next month.
Mains Castle in Dundee will host the 18th May event with proceeds being donated to The Brain Tumour Charity.
Hosted by the Dundee Electronic Music Society (DEMS), last year’s DEMSFEST received widespread acclaim and recognition, featuring over 30 acts, including some of the UK’s most talented DJs headlining the festival, supported by a showcase of Scotland’s emerging talent.
Managing to raise over £10,000 for the charity, DEMSFEST made a substantial contribution to their cause, as well as being one of the largest electronic music festival charity fundraisers in the country. Additionally, the event was shortlisted by Resident Advisor as one of the festivals of the year and won the RAG award for ‘Best Event of the Year’.
For 2024, DEMSFEST promises to be bigger and better. The event will take place in an historic 16th-century castle, offering a unique and atmospheric venue. Three stages will showcase massive acts from the UK, including Grammy award-winning rapper Flowdan, complemented by Scotland’s up-and-coming DJ talents.
The successful art exhibition from the previous year will also make its return, featuring the finest art talents from the University, placed among bingos, quizzes and a plethora of other fundraising activities. Having already raised over £20,000 for charity, the DEMS team aim to exceed over £10,000 for the charity, doing everything they can to help find a cure.
DEMSFEST holds a special meaning for its organisers and attendees. The charity event is dedicated to inspirational Rhudi Kennedy, a close friend of one part of DEMS Matthew Gibson-Smith.
Rhudi was diagnosed with a brain tumour at a young age and has since become a Young Ambassador for The Brain Tumour Charity, actively contributing to raising awareness and supporting others affected by the disease.
Additionally, the event is held in memory of Murray Stewart, a friend of Matthew’s brother, who tragically lost his battle with a brain tumour.
Evie Wragg, community fundraiser for The Brain Tumour Charity, said: “We are extremely grateful for all the efforts made by our fantastic fundraisers and wish them all the very best.
“It’s through the efforts of people like Matthew and all of DEMS that we can change the future and bring hope to the thousands of people who are diagnosed with a brain tumour every year.”
DEMSFEST 2024 promises to be a remarkable celebration of music, art, and charity, building on the accomplishments of the past while looking forward to a brighter future in the fight against brain tumours.
Tickets for the event are available on Resident Advisor.
The Scottish Housing News Charity Spotlight feature highlights the vital work of charities across Scotland each Friday. To include your local charity, whether housing-related or not, send your story and images to us at newsdesk@scottishnews.com.