On Thursday 29 August, Kingston's Ram Jam Records opened its doors to 30 people for Cheeky Fest.

The music festival, which was organised by Kingston local, Rupert Cheek, was in aid of Nordoff & Robins, the UK's largest music therapy charity.

Cheek created Cheeky Fest to help people who are struggling with their mental health and to raise money for Nordoff & Robins.

Cheek himself had music therapy as a child because he hadn't spoken a word by the time he was four, and his parents found that speech therapy didn't help him.

Cheek told Kingston Nub News that he's wanted to run the festival for years so "to finally have done it, albeit on a smaller stage than I'd initially hoped, it was great to actually do it", and he's glad that the night was a success.

He said: "Thank you to Alejandro Sesma for the proverbial push, encouragement, guidance with the website and for making the campaign video(s).

"It means a lot to have someone 'on board' who sees the value / importance of what I was / am trying to do / did and help me to make it a reality.

"He came along last night with his partner and a friend."

Rupert Cheek and Alejandro Sesma (Image supplied).

He continued: "Thank you very much to Joy at the Ram Jam for letting us use the space for free and creating / updating a flyer / poster, and for Noah for taking care of the sound and the bar.

"Two of my oldest friends, my niece, middle brother and his wife came to support me / the musicians / Nordoff & Robbins, which was lovely."

Cheek was glad to see the musicians and audience members talking to each other, both in person and online afterwards.

He said: "It's lovely to know that people connected through sharing similar experiences.

I saw my brother talking to someone who also plays the piano."

Ticket sales were automatically donated to Nordoff & Robins.

In the end, Cheek was able to raise more than £850, with £260 of it coming from ticket sales and over £600 from and direct donations via the Enthuse platform.

Artists and bands who performed at the event include Jessie Morrel, Connor Morrissey, Adam Wedd, and Dead Bloodcells.

Dead Bloodcells performing at Cheeky Fest (Credit: Alejandro Sesma)

Morrel played the piano at the festival.

Cheek is already planning his next event.

He said: "Now I'm starting to think about the next one next year; my friend Dean has made some helpful suggestions.

"Easter? Who's coming?"