Mum issues emotional message ahead of Forton Fest in Gosport with tribute to "kind" murdered son

Forton Fest returns to Forton Park from 5pm - 10pm on Friday with today being dubbed “Levi Fest” as a tribute to the 22-year-old who was stabbed to death on November 24.

Levi’s mother Tammy Kent, who organised the event, said the festival will have an anti-knife and drugs theme as she issued an emotional message on what would have been Levi’s 23rd birthday today (Friday). 

Friday will feature live music, poetry, The Bar, Uncle Dave's Burgers, Summers Bracelets, Ruby's Canvases, Kadis Silent Disco, Glitter Tattoos and Face Gems with Vic and Lace and Jayden's Lego Raffle. Saturday, open from 11am to 10pm, will also have a second stage and fun for all the family.

Tammy, speaking after the recent six-week murder trial that saw Aiden West join his half brother Tommy West in being convicted of Levi’s murder, said: “Today is all in honour of my boy Levi. He would of been 23 but his life was cruelly taken. 

“Sitting in court hearing what they did to him, seeing the video of him collapsing with a chest full of blood and watching them rifle through his pockets was the most heart crushing feeling in this terrible world.

“Yes he was an idiot to do what he did and to trust the people that saw him as an excuse, an easy way out, a scapegoat. They took advantage of him and he paid the highest price.

“A kind caring boy with a life of trauma and tragedy from a very early age, until the end. Today we stand united against knife crime. This mama's heart is broken...step away from the blade...knives ruin lives.”

Tammy added: “This is a zero tolerance drug and knife event. it's about celebrating the life of my boy. Tonight will be emotional with hard hitting anti knife crime poetry and heartfelt songs, time for reflection for Levi and your lost loved ones.

“Some amazing musicians are all giving their time for free. If you think you might not be welcome you probably aren't so don't embarrass yourself by turning up. Tonight is about Levi, my boy.”

The murder trial heard how Levi was repeatedly stabbed by Tommy West in a frenzied cocaine robbery after being lured by the West brothers to shops behind Nobes Avenue after 2am on November 24 having refused to defer payment on a deal. The victim was knifed in his Vauxhall Corsa before attempting to escape and crashing his car into a wall. Levi was then chased by the brothers into Keyes Road before he was set upon again.

Tommy West and Aiden West will be sentenced for murder in October.