Charity festival to end after nearly 20 years

Organisers of one of Cornwall's longest running charity music festivals have announced it will not continue.

Alstock, held at Priory Park in Bodmin, was launched in 2007 by Luke Hodge in memory of his father Al "Big Al" Hodge and has raised more than £100,000 for local and national charities.

Hodge said the decision to stop running the festival had been made after the 2026 event on July 25 which had marked 20 years since his fathers passing.

"It has always been a proud and wonderful tribute to my dad, and I am deeply grateful for everything we achieved together over the years for our community," he said.

Hodge said the decision had come after "careful consideration" and was something he had been contemplating for some time.

"Since the very first festival in 2007, Alstock has been incredibly well supported and enjoyed by the vast majority of people who attended," he said.

He said he was "incredibly proud" the festival had raised so much money for charity and had financially supported students through the Al Hodge Award.

"I can't thank you all enough for the incredible support you've given Alstock over the years," he said.

"My wonderful team around me, the volunteers, the performers, the traders, our sponsors and every festival-goer who made it such a special part of our community.

"Your support in memory of my dad has meant more than I can say."

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