A festival of art and skateboarding is popping up in various location next weekend in memory of a local artist and skater.
RalphFest23 will take place at Park View on Saturday 2nd September, with an after party at Dirty Blondes, and at Stanley Park Skate Park on Sunday 3rd September.
“Overall the plan is to put lots of smiles on faces,” said Neil Roberts, father of the late Ralph Roberts who sadly passed away in January 2021, of a rare condition called Sarcoidosis that was not diagnosed until post mortem.
Roberts set up LiveLikeRalph in his son’s name, a charitable organisation that aims to provide skateboards and any necessary equipment to young skaters, build and maintain skateparks, create a safe space for fledgeling skaters and promote and support local creatives.
“Ralph was an award-winning artist and accomplished skateboarder. He was a very kind person who included and encouraged everyone both in creativity and skateboarding. He was also very fun loving and smiley,” says Roberts.
“LiveLikeRalph is about keeping Ralph’s kindness going in the areas he was passionate about – skateboarding, art and music. We raise funds through RalphFest and Tour de Ralph, a coast-to-coast cycle challenge.”
“Our ethos and values include putting smiles on faces, positivity, inclusivity and mutual support.”
At Park View in Lytham on Saturday there will be live music performances from Daisy Atkinson and young indie band The Strata. There will be Rue de Ralph – an exhibition with many local artists exhibiting and selling their work. There will also be interactive art, a skateboard competition with many of the best skateboarders in the north attending as well as games and prizes. A food court will offer pizzas from L’Ora Di Napoli and a BBQ local farm from Pembertons.
On Saturday night there is an after party at Dirty Blondes. Tickets are £5 each and should be reserved by texting 07902 611028.
On Sunday there will be a skate jam at Stanley Park from midday with lots of giveaways including Vans gear and cash for tricks for the best skateboarders.
Entry is free but a proportion of all money spend at the festival goes to LiveLikeRalph.
“We are committed to helping kids who might not normally have the chance get into skateboarding by providing boards, safety gear and lessons,” says Roberts. The charity has recently collaborated with another Blackpool charity, Skool of Street, to build a safe and supportive indoor skatepark called Ralph’s House at their House of Wingz studio on Back Reeds Road. kids to enjoy and learn.
“Ralph loved helping younger kids with skateboarding and learning new tricks,” says Roberts. “We think this is not simply a fitting tribute for Ralph but provides a true legacy where kids are learning and enjoying skating like he did.
“Our ethos and values include putting smiles on faces, positivity, inclusivity and mutual support.”
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