A Plumstead teenager with a rare genetic condition had her wish granted and celebrated her 16th birthday with a music festival.

Willow Bush has Aicardi syndrome which causes her to experience severe and uncontrolled epilepsy and learning and mobility disabilities.

She is mostly non-verbal but music reaches her in a way that nothing else does as she sings, dances and gets lost in the melodies.

Her family asked the Make-A-Wish charity to help create WillowFest and that is exactly what it did.

Artists including Sour Kix, Sheya Lily, Magpie, Nye, Alice, Kessica and Kara, as well as street food trucks, entertainers and face painters all stepped in to create a true festival experience in Tunbridge Wells.

Taking her to a music festival to explore her passion means navigating busy crowds and campsites with her wheelchair which is a challenge, so WillowFest allowed Willow and her friends the chance to get up close and enjoy the music in a way they couldn’t before.

Viv Bush, Willow’s mum, said: “Willow had a lovely time at her wish. At the front of the crowd, she was surrounded by her friends, and they were all enjoying it with her. I can’t quite believe it’s happened.

"This is a memory that everyone who came to the festival will share forever. I’ve been really overwhelmed by the amount of good-hearted people that have come together to make this happen.

"I would like to thank Make-A-Wish wholeheartedly for making this happen. They make wishes come true and that’s phenomenal. Thank you to all the people who gave up their time and generosity.”

Make-A-Wish UK grants life-changing wishes to children with critical illnesses. To make a donation to help a child experience their One True Wish, or to find out more please visit make-a-wish.org.uk or telephone 01276 405060.