A music festival set to take place in memory of a former Whitley Bay police officer and community figure will become 'part of her legacy,' her family says. Janine Turnbull, who died of Motor Neurone Disease in August 2025, less than a year after diagnosis, will be honoured at Janinefest on Saturday, August 22.
Festival idea born at wake
Organiser Kris May, from South Wellfield, said the idea for Janinefest was first mentioned at her wake. However, he didn't think it would happen so soon until a gig earlier this year where Sam Fender made a surprise appearance. The 47-year-old IT manager, organising with wife Deborah, said: "Although it was a very, very sad day it was a celebration of her. We came away from that grieving and did the Pirates gig. I didn't think it was feasible to do it (the festival) this year, but we were on a high after the Pirates gig as it raised £10,600."
Tribute acts and community spirit
Though an invitation has been extended to Sam Fender and his band, Kris isn't expecting the Geordie star to attend. Performances will come from tribute acts including the Strokez, the Fab Four Anthology, and Spanish City Rollers. Janine's sister, Nicole Brown, said: "Janinefest is exactly what Janine would have loved. She absolutely adored live music. Some of her happiest moments were spent listening to me and our brother Alex play together. She even found her husband through live music - our John."
Nicole added: "More than the music though, Janinefest is about bringing people together. Janine loved nothing more than spending time with family and friends, laughing, making memories and making everyone feel welcome. Seeing people come together in her name is incredibly emotional, but it's also exactly what she would have wanted."
Fundraising milestone and legacy
Since Janine's diagnosis in 2024, family and friends have raised over £60,000 for the Motor Neurone Disease Association (MNDA), with events like the Whitley Wander becoming an annual fixture. Nicole expressed gratitude to organisers Kris and Deborah, saying: "Janinefest was their idea, and they've been the driving force behind creating what I know will become a wonderful annual celebration and part of Janine's legacy."
Dominic McDonough of the MNDA said: "We are absolutely thrilled to be supported once again by the family and friends of Janine as they host this evening of brilliant music. They are supporting vital research in her name which will bring us closer to a cure to this terrible disease. The kindness of the whole community is an amazing tribute to an incredible person."
Janinefest 2026 takes place on Saturday, August 22 at Trevelyan Hall at the Llinksill Centre between 1pm and 11pm.
