The free concert takes place today – and organisers hope Coldplay are already in the area and will come to perform Fix You
Organisers of a free concert in memory of an East Yorkshire teenager who took his own life are calling for Coldplay to join them to sing the heartbreaking song that was played at his funeral. Family and friends of Ruben Ferrol, of Hedon, were left devastated in April 2021 when he tragically took his own life at the age of 18.
Ruben was a much-loved member of his family who had a wide circle of friends, and was a talented musician, dancer and singer. The family has never been able to learn the reasons why Ruben decided to leave them.
At the time of Ruben’s death his mum Katy Smith told us how he had a good job, was proud of his new house and he loved his family. Yet he struggled with his mental health and did not speak out or seek support.
Since Ruben’s passing, Katy has dedicated herself to suicide prevention, determined to break the stigma surrounding mental health and depression. Through the launch of the Ruben’s Voice charity she aims to try to prevent suicide by raising awareness of the problems which can affect mental health, and to show people how help is available for those struggling.
Since the summer of 2021, every year the non-profit organisation stages a free concert in Hedon, as a way to give the community a positive, inspiring day together. Hundreds of people come together for the annual event, which also showcases amazing local performers.
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This year’ event takes place today, Saturday, August 16, at Draper’s Lane Field in Hedon, with a packed line-up of entertainment. And Ruben’s mum Katy put a plea for Coldplay on social media, hoping they may be in the area now preparing for their Sewell Group Craven Park concerts.
The top British band, led by Chris Martin, will bring their Music Of The Spheres tour to Hull for two sold-out gigs on August 18 and 19. She hopes the plea will reach Chris and that he could call into the event, to sing Fix You, the song that was played at Ruben’s funeral.
Just this week, as we previously reported, Yorkshire fans of the megaband were treated to a surprise taster on Thursday, when Chris Martin popped up out of the blue for an impromptu performance at the Puzzle Hall Inn, Sowerby Bridge, near Halifax. So if the band are in the area, it’s hoped they could well choose tO support the charity event.
The call out says: “Wonder if we can persuade Coldplay to come to Ruben’s Voice 2025 and sing this song we played at Ruben Ferrol’S funeral. Let’s all share, worth a try and would really raise awareness and help smash the stupid stigma which stole my beautiful boy.”
The event runs from midday to 10pm and promises visitors live music, food, stalls and a bar, with a range of musical acts, motivational speakers, dance bands, DJs and more. At 12.30pm the Heatwave Entertainment Majorettes will take to the stage, after which a speech will be given by the mayor of Hedon.
The line up also includes Lennon Tranmer, Mims, ULBC Dance Troop, Allwyn Dalton and Layman, Em Taylor and Sunny. The list is rounded off by Laura Bolton, Pablo Carizzo, Jack Britchford, Leyla / she’s got soul, Callum chater, Obes and Bobby Budz.
There will also be free face painting, free activities, a free bouncy castle, a free cave pod, and free entry – with everyone welcome. The event has been backed by donations of £2,500 each from Yorkshire Energy Park and East Riding Council which has allowed organisers to keep the special event free.