Baldock’s pubs and music venues were rammed at the weekend during the Balstock charity music festival, in spite of the changeable weather.
Bands from near and far entertained flocks of festivalgoers during the free and independent weekend of music as volunteers with shaker buckets collected cash for the Addenbrooke’s Breast Cancer Appeal and other causes.
The London Road Elaine LaRoche stage on the High Street had to be swapped for a weather-friendly alternative for Sunday due to predicted gales, but even that did not diminish the festive atmosphere.
Dutch band Ritn Ditn headlined the London Road: Elaine LaRoche stage on Saturday night with their mental clog-based antics, and on Sunday Stevenage-based world tourers JoanOvArc playing a rip-roaring headline set in the rain to hundreds of wet attendees.
People were queueing to get into The Engine in Station Road to watch Bubounce, and every other pub was jammed full. On Saturday night, the pubs were so full in some cases that they had to refuse more people entering – emphasising just what a smashing success Balstock 2017 was.
Balstock organiser G LaRoche told the Comet this morning: “Well, my much-loved team of volunteers and I are utterly shattered.
“We’ve been in planning since February, setting up stages since last Thursday, and worked right through the weekend until Monday teatime.
“Now it’s time for a well-earned duvet day.
“This year has been particularly poignant and, I dare say, the toughest to get through with the loss of mum Elaine back in April.
“But with so much help from my hardworking committee and reps team, as well as overwhelming support from the community, it’s been a year to make mum proud. Love you and miss you mum.”
Half of the money raised will go to the Addenbrooke’s Breast Cancer Appeal. The other 50 per cent will be split between the North Herts Sanctuary, the Herts Women’s Centre, the Magic Moments Pre-School in Park Drive, Baldock Girl Guides and Baldock Town Hall.
G said: “The total raised for charity will be announced once all the shakers and buckets have been collected and counted. We also ask any businesses that did well financially out of Balstock to please put some money towards the chosen charity and help bulk up the final count.”
To find out more, see balstock.com, follow @Balstock on Twitter or look up ‘Balstock Music Festival’ on Facebook.
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