Inaugural Lincfest created in memory of teenager who tragically died raises more than £24,000 for charity

A one-day music festival which was created in memory of a teenage musician who tragically died has raised thousands of pounds for charity.

The legacy of 14-year-old, Lincoln Hawkes, who died in a Horndean car accident last July, has continued through the launch of Lincfest which took place over the summer.

For one day, Jubilee Park, in Catherington, was transformed into a musical spectacular featuring 14 artists to not only honour the teen’s memory, but raise money for two charities: Hampshire & Isle of Wight Air Ambulance and Horndean Parish Council’s Local Good Causes Fund.

During the community event, Lincoln’s band ‘Into Pieces’ performed and saw a huge crowd form to support his bandmates.

Lincfest was primarily organised by Luke Jones, Tony Gould, Damien Lodrick, Bethany Lodrick, Sean Burridge and Chris Tate, all of whom have a connection to Lincoln and his family in one way or another.

In an update on social media, the organisers confirmed that the event made a £24,763 profit, which has been halved and donated to the two chosen charities.

The post said: “You made more than memories. You made this happen. The singing. The dancing. The ‘just one more song’. It all added up to something that lasts far beyond a festival.

“To everyone who bought a ticket, took to the stage, volunteered, sponsored, donated or helped pull it all together: these cheques have Lincfest’s name on them, but you helped write them.

“A day of music. A community coming together. And a difference that carries on after the last song. Horndean, this is what we can do together. And wait 'til you see what we do next. Built on love. Powered by music.”

Luke Jones told The News: “We are enormously grateful to the LincFest team for helping Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance save lives. The event was expertly organised and had fantastic energy from start to finish. The love for Lincoln shone through.”

He also confirmed the team behind the event have already started planning for Lincfest’s return next year. The date and full details are yet to be announced.

More information in due course.