TWO teenagers are organising music events to raise money for charities which help young people and are close to their hearts.

Fifteen-year-old Rowan Edwards of Yorkley is putting on a festival with nine bands this weekend while Rosie Levy, a sixth former at Wyedean School in Sedbury plans a concert in Chepstow later this month.

Rowan is supporting Clic Sargent, the leading UK charity for children and young people with cancer while Rosie is raising money for mental health group Young Minds.

Dean Academy pupil Rowan has organised Yorkfest, a day of music with bands from the Forest, Gloucester and Bristol at the Viney Hill club on Saturday (November 19).

Rosie’s event, at the Drill Hall in Chepstow on Sunday, November 27 will feature a range of singers, dancers and musicians.

Rowan has chosen Clic Sargent because of the care and support it gave his cousin Emily who died of cancer last year aged 16.

Rosie said she was passionate about mental health issues and wanted to help make a difference by supporting Young Minds.

Rowan said he has been working on the festival for several months and his work with Lydney Music, which provides sound for festivals, had helped him.

His mum, Anna, said she and husband Mike were “ridiculously proud” of what he had achieved.

She said: “It was his idea and he has done everything: the bands, venue, sound, catering and sponsorship.

“His cousin Emily died last year of cancer and she was helped by Clic Sargent after she was diagnosed a couple of years before.

“They are an amazing charity and every penny will be very much welcomed.”

Rosie said: “I am organising this musical afternoon because I am very passionate about mental health issues in young people.

“I want to make a difference to the system which currently leaves sufferers without help for long periods of time.

“The main reason for this is lack of funding which means there is not enough professional support available to help young people through their difficult time.”

Appearing at Yorkfest will be Lucy Jarrett, Baldwin Brothers, The Strays, Dixons of Dock Green, Adz King, Frankie Spain and the Inquisition Position, Vidorra, Solid Gone and Crystal Balloon.

It runs from 11.30am until 10pm and more information is available on the Yorkfest Facebook page or at www.yorkfest.webs.com

Rosie’s event starts at 2pm and features the Chepstow Musical Youth Theatre, dancers from the Angel School of Dance and ballroom dancers Josh Hicks and Sophie Hayward.

Josh will also be one of number of singers performing including Helava Peterson, Nataley Simpson, Nikkita Miller and Ceira Moulton.

The line-up is completed by harpist Sephy Canty, rock band The Clearing and Rosie herself on piano.