In April 2013 Sam Harper Brighouse took part in the Brighton Marathon. It was his first and destined to be his last. It was a warm day and through a combination of uniquely awful factors Sam died. It was pretty much instantaneous which served as some consolation, but not for the grief of friends and family.
Music was Sam’s love, not just the current fad, the Eminem, the Quetus, rap , house and the current club trends but also Carly Simon, Frank Zappa, Grace Slick and Marc Bolan. He was modern and old school at the same time. Led by Sam’s sister Grace the perfect memorial for Sam was to create a music festival in his name. S.Harper Sounds. It took place near Chapmanslade in Wiltshire over Friday and Saturday 12th/13th September 2014 attended by 350 plus of his friends and supporters. Music of all kinds from friends bands such as Tony Blaize, Hester, Drop Velvet and Wild Sun as well as DJ’s from Hospital Records where Sam had worked to the Food Music label featuring Shadow Child and Kry Wolf. The atmosphere couldn’t have been bettered.
In addition we were treated to activities perhaps more suited to a country fair but proved so popular that Bestival should be thinking of engaging in a plate smashing stall and a Pimms tent! The Blue Dome tent hosted a more chilled out vibe with life drawing classes, T Shirt making (beautiful prints of Sam in many colours were created) faces were painted and many a frustrated Jenga player could be seen on tenterhooks! The bar was well stocked with Beer from Singha , Blackthorn cider from Magner GB and Bulldog Energy drinks provided essential sponsorship and product to keep everyone going till the small hours (often around the campfire.)
The organisers were all Sam’s friends and family – Sam Eade, Grace, Martha, George, Jam, Frosty, Will, Adam and Chloe. A HUGE thank you and congrats for what you did. The love and support for everyone over the weekend was incredible. . Sam would have loved it.
A big thank you to all concerned from Arms Around The Child and for the generous donations in the memory of Sam Harper Brighouse to help us with our work caring for children who are living in extreme adversity.