Waldstock music festival raises cash for charity

OVER �2,000 raised at a music festival has been handed out to charity.

The second Waldstock was held over two days at the Fighting Cocks in Wendens Ambo in July.

A cheque for �1,750 has been handed over to the voluntary organisation, Medics.

A further �600 will be awarded to Funky Flamingo, a local disability arts charity which helps disabled adults and children play live music, DJ and get into film-making, while �200 will be given to the Mayor’s Appeal, which this year is Uttlesford Volunteer Centre.

Now, owners of the Fighting Cocks, Norman Bishop and Diane Halliday, say everyone involved in Waldstock is looking to the future.

“It’s been a steep learning curve,” said Ms Halliday.

“Waldstock 2010 was put together in six weeks while this year has been on the drawing board since the start of the year.

“As for Waldstock 2012 we are starting work immediately and hope to hold a number of smaller events to raise money for the Waldstock charity fund, upon establishing Waldstock as a charitable trust.”

Organiser Barney French said: “We’ve been totally overwhelmed by the messages of support from happy festival-goers who’ve responded so well to what we’ve tried to achieve.”

This year’s festival – which included a wide range of music and performers – received some heart-warming feedback. One reveller, who travelled to the event from Stevenage, wrote to the organisers: “Beyond the music and the ones to be thankful of are those excellent landlords, friendly bar staff and good natured attendees. What better way to show support for local services and organisations, this is an event to be proud of.”