We are very sad to report that Geoffrey Iley, former Towcester Town Mayor and Founder of Towcester MidSummer Music Festival and local writer and philanthropist, died on Sunday 17 March 2024.

Geoffrey died peacefully in Northampton General Hospital.

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While Mayor of Towcester in 2003, Geoffrey founded Midsummer Music, our weekend of musical celebration and fireworks, enjoyed by many for miles around. Sponsored by local businesses, clubs, schools and institutions, the event’s proceeds go to a variety of local charities. The idea was inspired by Geoffrey and his wife Lois’s frequent trips to Figanières in the south of France to visit his stepson and family, where a similar annual event occurs.

 

Geoffrey loved dancing and music, from pop, Motown and jazz to classical and more. He and Lois continued to attend the festival throughout the decades.

 

We will miss him greatly.

 

Read more about the history of the festival here.