The House That Ash Built returns July 26, 2025, for its fifth year, transforming the garden of Millers Pond Pub in Sholing into a pulsating hub of house music. This vibrant festival honors Ashleen Bateman, a passionate local house music enthusiast who passed away in 2021 at age 34 under the care of Mountbatten Hampshire. Before her passing, Ashleen fulfilled her dream of DJing at the inaugural event, a legacy now carried forward by her husband, Dan Bateman, and close friend Gareth ‘Chunk’ Nichols. The festival has become a cornerstone for the community, raising an impressive £28,000 over four years for the hospice, with last year’s event alone pulling in nearly £6,000 and drawing 400 attendees.
This year’s lineup delivers a dynamic range of house music vibes, featuring returning heavyweights Olly Camplin, Jamie Ryves, and DJ RK, whose sets promise to keep the dancefloor moving with deep basslines and infectious rhythms. Newcomers Jodie Topp and saxophonist Charlotte Hayes inject fresh energy, blending soulful melodies with high-octane beats. The event’s atmosphere is amplified by glitter face painting and flashing sunflowers, creating a festive, immersive experience that celebrates Ashleen’s love for the genre while supporting a vital cause.
“Help us make 2025’s the best one yet,” urges Dan Bateman, as the festival continues to grow in scope and impact. Running from 2 PM to 11:30 PM, The House That Ash Built 2025 channels all proceeds to Mountbatten Hampshire, a hospice reliant on community efforts like this to fund its £10.5 million annual budget for 24/7 end-of-life care.
Tickets available via: Eventbrite
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