The Sueña Torrevieja councillor, Pablo Samper, has expressed deep regret following the announcement that the “Rock Against Cancer” charity festival will not take place this year. This decision puts a pause on an initiative that has been one of the most beloved and socially committed events in Torrevieja for over a decade.
Samper remarked that when an event successfully unites an entire city for such a vital cause, it transcends mere culture or leisure and becomes a matter of identity, commitment, and humanity. For more than ten years, the festival has represented solidarity and collective effort, raising tens of thousands of euro for local cancer charities and providing direct support to patients and families.
The festival originated in 2009 on Calle Apolo, started by rock music enthusiasts and pub owners to raise funds for the Spanish Association Against Cancer. Over the years, it grew from a small street event to the Eras de la Sal and finally moved to the Antonio Soria Park in 2025 to accommodate larger crowds. Organisers Janette Figueroa and Nil Wyatt have maintained the festival with significant effort, bringing international tribute acts to the city.
However, Janette has stated that while the local council provides the venue, they do not offer logistical or financial support. She noted that the costs are significant, with fencing alone amounting to 3,000 euro. Despite submitting the necessary documentation, the organisers were told they were not eligible for certain support.
Sueña Torrevieja is now calling for immediate action from the municipal government. The political group is requesting an urgent meeting with the organisers to find a suitable and accessible space and to secure the institutional support needed to ensure the festival’s continuity. Samper suggested that if the 2026 edition cannot be saved, the council should work with the organisers to create a major charity alternative for 2027 to keep the spirit of “Rock Against Cancer” alive.
