AN ECLECTIC arts festival that will feel the fells rumble to the sound of music has been organised in an attempt to raise thousands of pounds for charity and help put a small village on the map. 

A close group of friends have come together to create a showstopping extravaganza that will rock the western Lake District this summer. 

The tiny village of Bootle will play host to a vibrant arts festival that will see some of the county's leading performers take centre stage to raise money for a truly worthy cause. 

Organised in honour of 34-year-old Danielle Fitzsimons, a Barrow primary school teacher who was diagnosed with breast cancer last year, the festival will help raise both awareness and money for Cancer Research UK. 

Pete Mills, a friend of Miss Fitzsimons and co-organiser of the festival, said: "Danielle and her friends and family decided to do a year of fundraising and are hoping to raise £10,000 in 12 months and we decided we wanted to be part of that."

Miss Fitzsimons, a primary school teacher at St Pius X Catholic Primary in Barrow, has been bowled over by the support she has received from the community. 

She said: "I'm quite overwhelmed with the response from everyone and what everyone has done. 

"It's just unbelievable how one person from a town like Barrow can spread this much awareness and cause this many people just to make an effort and work together.

"The fact it's reached as far as Bootle is just amazing really.

"I can't quite put into words how much it means."

Mr Mills is also the headteacher at Captain Shaw's Primary School in Bootle and seized the opportunity to get his pupils involved with the project.

He said: "From a headteacher point of view I've been doing a lot of work trying to get the children involved with the community.

"It's about nurturing an inspiring community that they want to be part of. If we've got an awesome music festival then that only adds to that."

Mr Mills was determined to bring the festival to Bootle to help put the small country village on the map. 

On the brink of a transformational era that will see the birth of a new housing development and luxury spa, this fiesty community is already destined for greatness and Mr Mills believes the festival can only add to that. 

He said: "With all the regeneration going on with Bootle2020, we wanted to organise something to celebrate all the Cumbrian talent out there and showcase what a forward thinking community we are."

The festival will take place in Bootle on July 23 will feature a mixed bag of acts. 

Performers include The Chadelics and Mr Shave in addition to stints from Holborn Hill Brass Band and Captain Shaw's Ensemble as well as the highly acclaimed poet, Kim Moore.

Trudy Harrison, project manager of Bootle2020, welcomes the festival and believes it will highlight what small but mighty Bootle can deliver.

She said: "

Our area is blessed with talented artists and magnificent scenery, combining both to showcase the best of Bootle is a fantastic opportunity which aligns perfectly with the Bootle2020 vision.

"Rock the Fells will bring music and dance, culture and craft - even a bit of science and industry from both local artists and folks from afar.

"Investment like we've never experienced before is heading to West Cumbria and it's important to create an environment where people can live, work and play. 

"Wellbank will provide housing and employment, Rock the Fells will show off our creativity and fun loving, friendly village."

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