SLIDESHOW: Families flock to park for the '˜best ever' Heckyfest

The organiser of Heckyfest said this year's event was the 'best one yet.'

Around 1,500 people flocked to Green Park for the packed roster of live music on July 16 and 17, with headliners Ska House taking to the stage on Saturday night.

Donal O’Driscoll, who organised the 14th ‘Heckyfest’, said: “It was the best one yet. In terms of the mixture of the acts and the crowds, it worked really well.”

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And he gave an emotional tribute speech to late Batley and Spen MP Jo Cox on Saturday afternoon, which he described as “very difficult.”

As well as the Mirfield-based headliners, talented bands from across the district such as Simon Walker and 5-5-5 impressed the audience.

Jacky Stringer, who supervised the park during the festival, said: “It was a brilliant atmosphere.”

The event went ahead after a crowd funding effort was made amid Kirklees Council budget cuts. But among the main sponsors was Heckmondwike Rotary Club, which raised £300 for local charities through a tombola at the event.

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IT worker Mr O’Driscoll, 58, who now lives in Mirfield, said that he would like to put the festival on again next year.

He said: “It’s a very bonding experience for people. We’ve all had a difficult time with everything that’s gone on with Jo Cox. I get the sense that people are treasuring something like this because it is a happy occasion.”

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