Martha Trust's German Night Marchfest Raises £9,000 for Disability Support
The annual German Night Marchfest, a beloved fundraising event for Martha Trust, took place on Saturday at St Mary's Arts Centre, generating an impressive £9,000 to aid individuals with profound disabilities. This vibrant celebration marked the eleventh consecutive year of support from the Kent-based band Bettesteiner Footstompers, who have gained recognition across the South East and London, including a feature on The Alan Titchmarsh Show.
Authentic Bavarian Entertainment and Festive Atmosphere
St Mary's Arts Centre was transformed into a traditional Bavarian-themed venue, where volunteers in costume served drinks to guests. The Bettesteiner Footstompers, featuring characters such as Big Willy, Otto Gell, Gretel, Alto Von Horn, and Wandering Hans, delivered lively, authentic German-style music. Their foot-stomping, thigh-slapping tunes created a truly festive and engaging environment for all attendees.
Wandering Hans from the band expressed their enthusiasm, stating, "We were absolutely delighted to have performed at the event. We all agree that the work Martha Trust does is of immense value to many people, so it is really exciting for us to be able to make our own contribution." He added, "Our whole act is built around the concept that we want our audiences to leave the show feeling that they have had a really fun evening and, ideally, be hoarse from singing so much which they did!"
Fundraising Activities and Gratitude
In addition to the musical entertainment, the evening included a raffle, auction, and a "heads and tails" game, with one guest winning £30. These combined efforts significantly contributed to the fundraising total. Kerry Banks BEM, fundraising and events manager at Martha Trust, praised the event, saying, "It was a truly fantastic event that has been enjoyed by so many over the years."
She extended gratitude to St Mary's Arts Centre and Siobhan Matthews, noting the venue's suitability. Banks also thanked the Bettesteiner Footstompers for their ongoing support, as well as volunteers and sponsors including Rianna Brown from Barclays, Superior Healthcare Group, Agents Giving, The Guild of Property Professionals, KCB Property Rentals, The Coach, I-Deal Security, RentaBar, Korkers Sausages, Sandwich Community Events, and Greencore Salads.
Upcoming Events for 2026
Martha Trust has an exciting lineup of fundraising events planned for 2026, which includes:
- A Golf Day at Walmer and Kingsdown ("Club on the Cliffs") on April 24
- A charity cricket match at Walmer Cricket Club, Sholden on May 30
- The flagship "Music on the Farm" event at Solley's Farm, Ripple on June 14
The next German Night Marchfest is scheduled to return on Saturday, March 13, 2027. For more information, sponsorship opportunities, or to get involved, individuals can contact Martha Trust directly.
