Meet the Flackstock Founder: An Open Conversation Around All Things Festival, Charity & Mental Health
In case you hadn’t heard, Flackstock is back for 2025 (commencing 8th August – get your tickets here!). As the official mainstage sponsor, we couldn’t wait to get up-close and personal with co-founder, Anna Blue – catching up on all things festival, charity and mental health. Get to know one of the faces behind the festival right here…
What inspired the idea to create Flackstock festival in memory of Caroline?
“It was all Natalie [Pinkham’s] idea. She rang us up and said, ‘Caroline loved a festival. We should do one for her!’. She is VERY hard to say no to. But in truth, we all needed a way to give Caroline’s story a better end than the one we already had. And a festival seemed like the best way to do that.”
How did you choose the mental health charities to partner with? What’s the most rewarding thing about working closely with these mental health charities?
“Caroline had always supported Mind and The Samaritans and, with Dawn, she was there right from the inception of Choose Love. Charlie Waller Trust we were introduced to while we were setting up the first festival. They do incredible work with young people’s mental health and suicide and they felt like a really good fit.”
“Caroline’s story is so intertwined with mental health, that aside from being able to support all their amazing work, I guess the most rewarding thing is knowing she would be so happy that we are able contribute in her name.”
How important is it for everyone, of all ages and generations, to have open conversations around mental health?
“It’s incredibly important. One of the biggest hurdles to better mental health is the stigma of admitting that something might be wrong. Caroline’s story is heavy testament to that. Open conversations about mental health are at the very core of Flackstock’s mission.”
What are Flackstock’s core values?
"I just opened this question up to my seven-year-old son. He said without hesitation ‘Be Kind’. That’s it, I guess. Everything else follows from this."
What measures do you take to ensure Flackstock is accessible to all?
“From this year we are operating as part of South Facing Festival at Crystal Palace Bowl. South Facing have brilliant accessibility features built into their festival – AVPs, Wheelchair charging points, lowered bars, all the things every festival should have.”
“Beyond this at Flacktock each of our charities offer open and private spaces to talk. We also have a mindfulness space with interactive sessions and an ADHD tent run by the ladies from ADHDAF. And I guess what is really special on top of all that is the accessible atmosphere that we create – welcoming, safe, friendly. We have people who come to Flackstock alone and leave with new friends.”
Tell us a little bit about the mindfulness area at Flackstock, and who might benefit from this activation?
"Everyone! Our mindfulness space is curated by Carrie’s twin sister Jody. She builds a schedule of talks, sound baths, reiki, there’s even yoga disco this year (that’s VERY Jody!) there is something for everyone."
What resources would you recommend for anyone who’s struggling with their mental health?
"Mind and Samaritans both have excellent resources. They are the experts and where we would always direct people as a first port of call."
How do you see Flackstock expanding and evolving from the success it has already seen today?
"Bigger, better, able to reach and help more people. Outside of the festival we use the power of Flackstock to advocate for more national conversation around mental health, that’s something we’ll do more of in the future."
Who are you most excited to see perform at Flackstock this year and why?
"I’m not allowed to have favourites, which Is why I can’t tell you that it’s Alfie Boe who has put together a really special set for us."
Is there anything you wish more people knew about Flackstock?
"That this is nothing like any other music festival. It has a magic all of it’s own. It’s like a party with all your friends – you just haven’t met them yet."
How should other brands who want to show their support for Flackstock get in touch?
"You can email us at flackstock@gmail.com ."