Announcement

what´s happening

  BRAND NEW TO BALSTOCK 2024:Balstock Air Guitar Competition (all ages!) Sunday 15th Sept, 4.00 on the Elaine LaRoche StageHave you ever wanted to perform on a ‘professional’ stage, but don’t want to learn an instrument??? Then this is for you! We have only 20 spaces for our brand new Balstock Air Guitar Competition, taking […]

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Balstock 2024 is a go
07 Feb 2024

AND SO IT BEGINS!!! Balstock Music Festival Committee’s 1st meeting of 2024 (courtesy of the Orange Tree). We’re getting our balls rolled out for the biggest free music festival in the area on September the 13th, 14th and 15th. So get that date in your diary, on your calendar and etch it into your neighbours […]

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Those of you who have already picked up a physical copy of Balstock 2022 booklet may have noticed there is a page missing. Well wonder no more what was on that page as we have now made an electronic version for you all to peruse at your leisure. Big thanks to Lynne Smith for making […]

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  BALSTOCK 2022 APPLICATIONS OPEN!!! Wanna play a town wide, charity festival that smells faintly of joy??? Then follow this link: Hereand apply therein. Massive thanks to Janchi Mugica for, once again, sorting our website out The dates for Balstock 2022 are 9th, 10th and 11th of September PLEASE NOTE: Check all your band mates […]

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MUSICIANS, BANDS, ARTISTS AND DJs: Prepare your buttocks, as Balstock Music festival 2021’s band applications open ON THE 1st OF MAY, on this website page: https://balstock.co.uk/…/playing-at-balstock-music…/ Balstock 2021 falls on the 10th, 11th and 12th of September, so please make sure all your band members can make these dates before applying. Have a short 40 […]

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Balstock 2021
20 Apr 2021

Greeting Balstockers. EPIC ANNOUNCEMENT!!! I’m tanked to announce that we plan to go ahead with Balstock 2021 on the 10th, 11th and 12th of September. But this will be an abridged Balstock with a caveat: due to safety concerns, funding (or lack there of) and to give the pubs, venues and businesses the best chance […]

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Greetings all. We promised that we would make a Balstock 2020 announcement in early June. Unfortunately, it’s probably not the news you were hoping for, as we’ve decided the responsible option would be to move Balstock 2020 to the 10th, 11th and 12th of September 2021 , effectively moving this year’s festival into what would […]

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Due to a number of queries to our social media platforms about the impact of the COVID-19 virus, we wish to assure our audience that as we stand, Balstock 2020 will be going ahead as planned in September. The safety and health of all visitors, Volunteers, Reps, Techs and staff is, as always, our main […]

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While you’ve all been busy putting Balstock 2019 to the back of your blissful memories, the Balstock committee have been tying up, throwing up and chasing up loose ends. We’re now ecstatic to announce our grand total raised this year, breaking all past records, comes to a whopping £12,500 – to be equally divided between […]

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Brace yourselves, this is a LOOOOONG thanks list, but all relevant to the aid of Balstock 2019. These names demand your attention and kudos: THE MAGNIFICENT 7: (The Balstock committee who spend most of the year planning) Steve ‘Scouse’ Holmes – Balstock Lieutenant Becky Miller – thankless task of volunteer and charity co-ordinator Michael Rees […]

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It’s Tomorrow
12 Sep 2019

It is that time you have all been waiting for Balstock is back. After a well deserved year off we are back with avengence. Nearly all the logistics are in place. Bands and acts are excited, Reps are ready, Merch is ready, Stages are going up, backlines ready, lights ready and G is pulling his […]

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What’s all this then??? A new dining room table? The new 7 times table? Is it the new periodic table? No The Balstock 2019 timetables are out!!! Upon these pages is a range of stages, it’s taken bloody ages. Michael Rees stayed up all night to get it right. https://www.balstock.co.uk/home/line-up/ https://clashfinder.com/m/balstock2019/ Get your greedy peepers […]

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We will be releasing the Balstock 2019 timetable this evening. Just juggling some acts around last minute. Any acts who have not sent in a bio or a Photo will need to do this as soon as possible to me as I have limited time between now and the Festival to update the website. (you […]

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Balstock applications are now closed. The line up will be out when G gets his fingers out of his arse. Please check your emails especially spam folders as we love spam.

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OH MY GOD ITS ACTUALLY HAPPENING: For the first time in 2 years Balstock Music Festival band applications are OPEN RIGHT NOW for Balstock 2019!!! Are you in a band that plays death skiffle; folkcore; bum ballads and the rest? Do you play acoustic music like Jimmy Carr tries to act human? Do you DJ, […]

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Hey Balstockers Applications to play Balstock 2019 will be open on the 1st of March. If you want to play then apply and we will see what we can do to make your weekend pleasurable. Just don’t forget this is Balstock……….it will be great

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2019 announcement
19 Dec 2018

Morning Balstock Forum, guess what I got ….NEWZZZZZZ YES there is going to be a Balstock 2019 and it’s gonna be Balstockier than ever! Scratch the 13th, 14th and 15th of September in your diaries and into your soft, supple foreheads and hold hostage any bands you want to see, so they don’t double book […]

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BALSTOCK NEWS – both good and bad!!! Good News first – we’re stoked to announce that we broke all previous fundraising efforts in Balstock 2017 (sooooo long ago!) by a clear 5 grand….bum roll please…. Balstock 2017 grand total raised = £12,200!!!! That’s £6,100 for Addenbrookes Breast Cancer Appeal and £1,220 each to Baldock Girl […]

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We will be releasing the Balstock 2017 timetable on Friday. Any acts who have not sent in a bio or a Photo will need to do this as soon as possible to me as I have limited time between this weekend and the Festival to up date the website. (you will see when it is […]

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Website Disruption
03 Aug 2017

Currently the website is being updated you may lose sight of some of the pages while I update some information….Ooooh what is it ??? Never you mind nosey…….ALL HAIL THE UNIVERSAL SAUSAGE !!!!

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Hi Balstockers   Applications to play Balstock 2017 are now closed. If you were successful congratulations and I hope you will have a great time. If you weren’t successful we are sorry but due to the amount of acts who applied there just wasn’t enough slots to use you all. BUT DON’T WORRY if any […]

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Sounds of Baldock will be held on the 26th to 28th of May. This is the culmination of Baldock Festival month. Sounds is one of the major fundraisers for the main Balstock festival held on the second weekend in September. We are hoping for great weather and a great atmosphere like last year…forecast looks good…..fingers […]

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Balstock 2017
19 Jul 2017

Hello Balstockers Well Balstock 2017 is nearly here just a month or so to go. We are beavering away sorting out venues, lineups, merch, PA’s, lighting, Stage managers, Sound techs,Stage techs, Volunteers and Becky’s big buckey shakers. Balstock 2017’s main charity will be Addenbrooke’s Breast Cancer Appeal. They will receive 50% of money raised in shakers, […]

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So Friday night is done…Saturday morning DJ at the Engine at the mo. Hearing great things about the crowds today. Pubs rammed solid, Engine was packed…and still is…….. Tomorrow kicks off at The White Lion at 12:00 and then the rest of the of the venues carry on til late evening. It’s Balstock Party time….don’t […]

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BALSTOCK TIMETABLES
06 Sep 2016

HIYAA , THE BALSTOCK 2016 TIMETABLES ARE NOW FULLY TESTED AND WORKING. IF ANYONE FINDS ANY ISSUES PLEASE CONTACT MICHAEL REES ON FACEBOOK OR REPLY IN THIS POST ON FACEBOOK. THESE TIMETABLES WILL CHANGE AS THEY ALWAYS DO OVER THE WEEKEND AND WILL BE UPDATED IF AND WHEN WE GET THE INFORMATION. PLEASE GO TO […]

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  Balstock festival 2016 is next week Friday to Sunday of music ,beer and fruit based drinks ! Bring your dancing trousers and party hats. Wallets and purses to fill those buckets. There is an eclectic array of music to fill your ears with over the weekend,  Ska, Punk, Rock, Folk, Pop, Country and acoustic. […]

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Balstock 2016 update
23 Sep 2016

  Balstock 2016 was amazing one of the best yet. Well done to all who volunteered, attended, played, poured beer over themselves, poured and provided beer for punters and chugged a bucket. We have a total but that will be announced by our leader Mr G la Roche in due course. But well done to […]

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TEQUILLA MOCKINGBIRD HEADLINING THE ENGINE ON FRIDAY NIGHT Tequilla Mockingbird is a five-piece hard-rock band from central Bedfordshire, playing original songs crafted from big riffs, aggressive drums, roaring vocals and energetic bass-lines. With newcomer, Mason West, taking over from original guitarist, Alex Shipston in 2015, we’ve focused our sound on the meatier side of the […]

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    So you lovely people as you all can see the Line up is out. Also Clashfinder is up and ready. You can personalise clasfinder to your personal choice by going to www.clashfinder.com Make an account (it’s free) then search for Balstock 2015. http://clashfinder.com/s/balstockfestival2016/ Then you can select which acts you wish to see and […]

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BALSTOCK 2016
16 Aug 2016

Hi music lovers it’s that time of year again Balstock 2016 is nearly here. So put the 9th – 11th of September in your calendars for a weekend of music and debauchary. This years charities have been confirmed 50% of the funds raised at the years Balstock will go to the Alzheimer’s Society who have […]

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Steph Scott, Kev Maher and Owen Stephen do a weekly podcast called Breakfast bad this weeks was a Balstock Special Parental Advisory as there is swearing in it but it is always worth a listen. https://audioboom.com/boos/3563264-balstock-special  

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This year the Historic Town Hall will be the venue for many of the Punk and Metal acts. We have done this so the crowd will have plenty of room to mosh,bounce and headbang away and have as much fun as possible. There will be muchos Dandruff and Phlegm so I hope you all wash […]

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During the festival the www.balstock.co.uk page will be changed so it automatically goes to the Line up/Timetable page https://balstock.co.uk/line-up/ so if you need to see the line up and any changes it will automatically show up. This will speed up your enjoyment of the festival and also help with your planning of who to see […]

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This years chosen Balstock charity is St Thomas Lupus Trust which we plan to get as much money as possible. Lupus is now recognised as an important and common illness of modern times. It is a disease in which the immune system goes ‘wrong’, becomes overactive. It can affect any organ of the body. Because […]

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Two acts who have been recently released on Folkstock’s boutique label are Stevenage’s Kelly Oliver and Baldock’s Pete Guy. Kelly is an award winning artist who had a 4* review for her debut album in The Telegraph. Kelly has gained ‘rarer than hen’s teeth’ play on both BBC Radio 2 and BBC 6 Music this […]

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Wrong Jovi Wrong Jovi have been described as “The best Bon Jovi tribute band in the world”. With a set list that covers everything from Bon Jovi’s greatest hits, live favourites and rarities, Wrong Jovi guarantee the ultimate Bon Jovi live experience. They are Headlining the 10.30 – 11.30 THE ROSE & CROWN – Saturday

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On BOTH Sat and Sun, Folkstock are hosting bands who craft a great song and deliver it with passion. On Sunday 5pm in The White Lion, Baldock we have the youngest act which has 12yr Ross on Cajon as part of sibling band Aimée. Their 1st foray into Herts from their home of Hampshire was […]

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It’s not all punk and rock this year we have a plethora of excellent acoustic acts gracing us with their presence here are just a few:- Roxy Searle Roxy has been now playing solo and in groups for a long time now. Playing all over the country as a solo act and with her band […]

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If Carlsberg made rock bands… well they wouldn’t make Piston Groovy as they all drink real ale! Fun, laughter, beer and of course classic rock covers. You know you wanna! Piston Groovy are a collection of seasoned amateurs who get together to have fun and play those classic rock numbers that everyone knows. No pretentiousness […]

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BALSTOCK BAND ANNOUNCEMENT: For your hungry ears!!! This time next week the High Street will be ringing out with glorious music and, what’s predicted to be, the most amount of people to come through Baldock since… the Romans?!? So a band I’m ecstatic to announce is New Device – a band that is wowing audiences […]

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Julian Lennon – a great musician and St Thomas Lupus Trust patron (inspiration for Lucy In The Sky With Diamonds) has tweeted about Balstock Music Festival

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BALSTOCK BAND ANNOUNCEMENT: While you nurse your hangovers this morning, bear in mind this time next week, I suspect, the Lads from the Netherlands: Ritn Ditn will probably start drinking!!! For a band to come from the Continent to play a free music festival is truely inspiring, so give much respect. Check em out and […]

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Most of you all know that Mr G La Roche had a dream around 10 years ago to put on a music festival to raise a bit of money for the local community. Well it is 10 years later and it seems that the universe !!! well ok North Hertfordshire was ready for it and […]

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The Kut – Saturday 21:10 at The Rose and Crown Inspired by bands like Deftones, L7, Hole, Incubus, Placebo, Nirvana, Faith No More and others, The Kut are a rock trio born out of the alternative scene. Having been voted into in the winning spots for MTV UK Brand New Unsigned 2014 Poll, their ‘Make […]

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A few weeks ago I recorded a radio show about Balstock for Sg1 Radio. It took me quite a while as I wanted to make it entertaining, comical and off-the-wall to keep people’s attention (peoples attention spans are so short nowad… oh look a bee!!!) There’s absoutely tones of Balstock band mentions, big-ups, shout outs […]

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BALSTOCK BAND ANNOUNCEMENT: Been spreadin myself so thin I’ve completely forgotten about band announcements, so here’s a double header: Countless Skies blew the crowd away at Bloodstock (my bro was there watching) and now bringing their refreshing melodic metal to Balstock. Saturday 12th, 6.40 – 7.20, Baldock Town Hall: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sn9ax0QFUjI Same day same stage at […]

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BALSTOCK BAND ANNOUNCEMENT: For your hungry ears!!! This time next week the High Street will be ringing out with glorious music and, what’s predicted to be, the most amount of people to come through Baldock since… the Romans?!? So a band I’m ecstatic to announce is New Device – a band that is wowing audiences […]

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Near Moments are Adi Chase – Vocals, Joel Waters – Drums, Barnaby Hewitt – Guitar and Tom Chaplin – Bass They are Alternative Rock Band from Bedford. Since their debut show in October’11 supporting Gold Skies Ahead, the band have played at the 02 in London, after getting through to the finals of Live and Unsigned and last summer supported […]

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Stress levels are getting a bit much at the moment, so need some soothing flamenco music BALSTOCK ACT ANNOUNCMENT: My uber-talented big bruv Eddie LaRoche (no fan or web pages cos he’s a caveman technophobe) playing The Cock Pub, Baldock at Balstock, Sat 12th Sept, 9.15 – 9.45. Check his asbestos fingerz of a rock […]

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Alex Bay interprets the sound of classic soul music in his own distinctive song writing to create a unique blend of gutsy, roots material guaranteed to stir the senses. Go check out ‘Make Believe’ on YouTube HIGH STREET STAGE – LONDON ROAD / AFTER DARK PRESENTS SUNDAY , 5.40 – 6.40  

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Becky Phillips is doing a Balstock special at 12 today on Sg1 Radio:http://www.sg1radio.co.uk/ Then listen out tonight at 8pm for G’s tailor made Balstock Radio show. Lots of band and volunteer mentions as well as info about this coming weekend and G milks some wasps!!!

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From the ashes of Tubries and Jukebox Vandals emerged High Wire Brigade consisting of Kaj – Guitar and vocals, Mark – Guitar and Vocals, Jon – Bass and Vocals and Alex – Drums Hailing from Walkern and Stevanage, High Wire Brigade have been busy gigging around Herts and Beds area in pubs,clubs and Festivals polishing […]

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SG1 Balstock podcast
07 Sep 2015

LISTEN OUT FOR BALSTOCK RADIO: playing 8 pm, Tuesday night on Sg1 Radio: http://www.sg1radio.co.uk/ Featuring the likes of Jesus Hooligan, JOANovARC, Phili N Dotz, Kelly Oliver, Echo Tree, BuBounce, loads and loads more bands and some information about parsley!

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Mark Sullivan – What can I say about this Geezer from St. Evanage. This boy can play and is one of the most talented Danny Dyer lookalikes in the world. I have seen this guy play a multitude of times over the last few months and have been blown away at his talent and guitar […]

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BALSTOCK CDs
04 Sep 2015

BALSTOCK CDs: We’re very proud of our Balstock CDs. And this year especially there’s a wide range of genres and talent. The official Balstock 2015 CDs are ‘Hits’ & ‘Giggles’. ‘Hits’ being Folk, Acoustic, Reggae, Mod and much more. ‘Giggles’ contains the Metal, Punk, Ska, Comedy and more adult content. £7 per CD, but £10 […]

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BALSTOCK COMPETITION WINNERS ANNOUNCED: Bearly a fortnight to go now til Balstock, so were ready to announce winners to the competitions we ran a few weeks back. There were some stunningly creative suggestions this year- BALSTOCK CDs Winner: Christopher Morgan with ‘Hits’ & ‘Giggles’ BALSTOCK T-SHIRT SLOGAN: Winner Michael Rees [FIX!!!] with ‘Balstock – A […]

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Comedy Stage
28 Aug 2015

GRIN & BARE WIT Comedy Stage Sunday 6.00 – 10.00 at THE ORANGE TREE For those who thought Balstock was just about the music: You’re wrong! In your face!! Who’s laughing now, eh?! Well, hopefully everyone for you are all invited to attend the most side-splitting, eye-rolling, pant-wetting event of the festival. Award-winning comedians from […]

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EXCITING NEWZZZ!!!!! Masterful stand-up comedian, musician, compere and bossman of Last Minute Comedy Paul B. Edwards has a Balstock Special Radio Special at Punk Radio: http://www.punkyradio.com/ – have a good listen. ALL BANDS PLAYING THIS WEEKEND. iNCLUDING JOANovARC, Traitors, THE BLISSETTS, Hostages For Smack, G, Aghast, Hazard & The Bleach Boys Paul is hosting the […]

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Traitors at Balstock
10 Sep 2014

YET ANOTHER BALSTOCK BAND ANNOUNCEMENT: Chris Hollis once asked me to “Sing to me a song to save the world”. He wasn’t too impressed when I hummed a couple of lines from Come On Eileen! Frog stupid, Three Bottles Behind and Sons of Guns supergroup Traitors will be owning The Engine / Atomic Live stage […]

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BALSTOCK BROCHURES ARE OUT!!! Pick up one at any of the Balstock venues, Baldock Community centre, David’s Music – Letchworth, Club 85 – Hitchin & Unikorn Stevenage. They’re FREE!!! But if you see a Balstock shaker nearby please do bung a quid or 2 in. Goes straight to the charity. FUN THINGS TO DO WITH […]

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The Balstock CDs are fookin BOSS this year (that’s slang for awesome, outstanding, better than the best of Depeche Mode!!!). Save a tenner for next weekend and treat yourself to over 40 tracks of life affirming, locally sourced grandeur!!! Massive thanx go to Richard Emms for designing up the covers and guiding me towards a […]

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This year’s Balstock festival is raising funds for Up On Downs – a local charity which aids families that have children with Downs Syndrome. To make our fundraising more effective we could really do with more volunteers to go around with buckets and shakers, even if it’s just for a couple of hours. If you […]

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Folkstock
28 Aug 2015

Balstock’s Folkstock stage at White Lion on the Saturday and Sunday featured in The Comet this week. website offline .

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Press Release
27 Jul 2015

Date for your diary – Balstock music festival is fast approaching. Running on the 11th, 12th and 13th of September, Balstock is now in its 10th year! With over 200 bands, and multiple stages – including a brand new outdoor Whitehorse Street stage, you will be spoilt for choice with music in abundance all weekend. […]

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Now in its tenth year, Balstock music festival is fast approaching! Running on the 11th, 12th and 13th of September, they are pleased to announce The St. Thomas Lupus Trust as their chosen charity for this year’s festival. Lupus is a complex and poorly understood condition that affects many parts of the body and causes […]

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