A festival which started out as a party in the middle of field to honour the memory of a sibling marks its 10th anniversary this year – with its biggest line-up to date.
Wilkestock was first held back in 2006 as Tom and Olly Wilkes gathered on family land between Watton-at-Stone and Walkern with friends to remember their brother Matthew, who had died in a climbing accident the year before.
After growing in popularity year on year, the event was opened to the public and expanded to three days – and this year will see Mystery Jets and The Subways take to the stage between Friday, September 2, to Sunday, September 4.
What hasn’t changed is the festival’s not-for-profit approach, which has seen Wilkestock raise a combined £25,000 for Keswick Mountain Rescue as well as Bloodwise – formerly known as Leukaemia and Lymphoma Research.
Known as a ‘small festival with a big personality’, co-founder Tom is keen to keep that independent spirit alive while offering more entertainment than ever before.
“We sold out of early bird tickets in record time this year which was great and is always a good sign,” Tom told the Comet.
“We’ve obviously gone for it a little bit this year with the 10th anniversary and it’s the biggest line-up we’ve ever had.
“We’re not trying to blow are own trumpet but we’ve been told it’s a good festival so we just try to introduce a few new things each year.”
Among the new additions is a BBC Music Introducing stage takeover, which focus on highlighting local talent from Herts, Beds and Bucks.
“It’s a good size stage, but you can only get about 100 to 150 people in the space which means the crowd are really up close,” said Tom.
The eclectic festival line-up includes DJ Luck and MC Neat, The Hunna, Eliza and the Bear, and Too Many T’s, as well as acts which have local connections – including the CC Smugglers, Waste and Roxy Searle.
Reflecting on Wilkestock’s success, Tom, who is one of a small number of volunteers, added: “It’s definitely unexpected – we had no idea it would become what it has.
“It’s still quite a small festival though and we pride ourselves on having a small site. It’s about offering things people expect at the big festivals, but not having to walk far for anything.”
Day tickets start from £12 with the full weekend including camping available for £65.
To find out more and to book visit www.wilkestock.com.
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