It's been confirmed the festival held in honour of the late TV presenter Caroline Flack will return next year.
Flackstock Festival, organised by the late Love Island host's friends and family, featured performances by the likes of Ronan Keating, Tom Grennan, Olly Murs, Natalie Imbruglia and more when it took place in July this year.
The event was attended by thousands and raised an incredible £325k split equally between Choose Love, Mind, Samaritans and Charlie Waller Trust – four worthy outlets that held a special place in Caroline’s heart.
It was confirmed today [December 14] that the intimate day festival celebrating Caroline’s life with comedy, dance and musical acts, will return for its second year in 2023.
Caroline lost her life to suicide at the age of 40 on 15 February 2020 and in the wake of her tragic death, one of her final social media posts went on to influence the 'Be Kind' movement.
"In a world where you can be anything, be kind," read the inspiring quote shared to Caroline's Instagram page in December 2019.
The X Factor presenter also frequently and passionately championed many good causes and charities throughout her life, including organisations profits from the Flackstock Festival help.
Flackstock Festival 2023 will again take place in the grounds of Englefield House following on from the summer concerts as part of Heritage Live on the site which will be announced in the New Year, presented by Giles Cooper Entertainment.
The event is organised by a committee including Caroline’s mother Christine and sister Jody, her friends Natalie Pinkham, Dawn O’Porter, Anna Blue, Sarah Tyekiff, and Leigh and Jill Francis.
Speaking today the committee, which is made up of Caroline's friends and family, said: "Flackstock was an incredible way to remember our friend Caroline, but it became so much more than that – a place full of joy where people felt comfortable talking about mental health.
"There has been an overwhelming desire for us to return, so we are back with the intention of building Flackstock into a legacy festival to raise money and awareness for a range of brilliant charities. We want everyone to come and join us in 2023 for this magical event."
Confirming the news in an Instagram post, Flackstock wrote: "FLACKSTOCK IS BACK!!!!
"We are so pleased to say that due to popular demand Flackstock will be back in 2023. We are returning to Englefield House on Monday 24th July. EARLY BIRD TICKETS go on sale TOMORROW MORNING Thursday 15th December at 10am via AXS (link in bio). Don’t miss out!! It’s the perfect Christmas present for friends and family! A whole new line up of acts will be joining us on stage to raise money and awareness for our 4 brilliant charities @charliewalleruk @chooselove @mindcharity @samaritanscharity .
"Flackstock was the most magical event in 2022 and we hope you’ll be joining us to do it all over again in 2023. See you in July!!!!"
The 2023 Flackstock line-up will be released in due course but tickets will be available from AXS.com on Thursday 15th December at 10am.
Discussing the inaugural Flackstock festival in July this year, Caroline's close friend Dawn shared an emotional update with her followers on Instagram as she shared snaps from the event online.
The bestselling author wrote: "I was terrified of doing @flackstock for all the reasons, both emotional and logistical. But it was worth every worry.
"Every single performer tore the roof off. Every face in the crowd beamed back at them on stage. I don’t think I have ever been in an environment that huge where it felt like absolutely everyone was having the same experience. Like 4000 friends all together at last. There were moments of such sadness I could barely catch a breath, and then such joy and pride and happiness that I was totally euphoric.
"And that is what we wanted, a festival where all emotions had their place, where we celebrated Caroline’s life, cried about losing her but sent out a message of hope and solidarity to anyone else who is struggling. I feel like we achieved it all. It was perfect and I wish we could do it again today."
*If you're struggling and need to talk, the Samaritans operate a free helpline open 24/7 on 116 123. Alternatively, you can email jo@samaritans.org or visit their site to find your local branch
