Test Fest and In the Bag Cancer Support charity thank West Monkton Parish Council for grant support

Following West Monkton Parish Council’s grant support of the Test Fest event that took place recently at Taunton RFC, the Parish Council is delighted to have received the following update from Sue Brand, COO It’s in the Bag Cancer Support. The charity fundraising festival received a social and wellbeing grant.

To West Monkton Parish Council:

I wanted to extend our warmest thanks for the grant you provided to support children’s activities at this year’s Test Fest. Your contribution made a genuine difference to local families and helped us create a festival that felt welcoming, inclusive, and rooted in community spirit.

The children’s area was one of the most loved parts of the event. Parents told us how much they appreciated having high‑quality, safe, and engaging activities available, and many commented that it made the festival feel more family‑friendly than ever. Thanks to your support, we were able to offer a space where children could play, explore, and enjoy the day — all without cost being a barrier.

This year was also a milestone for Test Fest. For the first time, the festival raised incredible funds — all of which goes directly to supporting men and their families through It’s in the Bag. The community impact of this achievement is significant, and your grant played an important role in helping us deliver an event that people felt proud to attend.

Even though attendance was slightly lower than last year, the feedback was overwhelmingly positive. Survey responses highlighted the friendly atmosphere, the music, and the family‑focused activities you helped make possible. People felt connected — to each other, to the charity, and to the wider community.

Thank you for investing in local families, for supporting community wellbeing, and for helping us make Test Fest a place where everyone feels welcome. We’re grateful for your partnership and look forward to continuing to work together.

Warm regards,
Sue Brand COO It’s in the Bag Cancer Support