The family behind a popular annual music festival which raises money for mental health charities, have announced that this year’s event will not go ahead.
Since 2019, Lukefest has taken place at The Queen’s Arms pub in Breage in memory of Luke Connolly who passed away after struggles with mental health issues in 2018.
Luke, who was said to have had an “infectious spirit” by his sister Amy, had studied at Helston Community College and wanted to make the world a better place.
He fed the homeless, promoted gambling restrictions, and was a huge advocate for people to speak up about their mental health. Luke also ran as a local election candidate in his area.
Since its launch, the popular music festival has honoured Luke’s memory and has raised thousands of pounds towards mental health charities including Man Down and Your Voice.
However, Luke’s sister Amy Connolly who organises the event each year with her family, has announced that it will not take place this year which would have been Luke’s 30th birthday.
On February 18, Amy shared a post on the Lukefest Facebook page explaining why the decision was made not to hold the festival this year. It reads: “After a lot of thought, we as a family have decided to not run Lukefest this year.
“Due to the uncertainty of whether the Queen’s would reopen, if we could still hold it there, and personal circumstances I decided not to start planning it in the Autumn as I usually do.
“The lovely new owners have said we could go ahead, but rather than rush and shove together an event we've decided not to."
Amy also said in the post that this year the family plans to celebrate Luke’s birthday together, with her mum Jan taking on an activity to raise further funds. Amy said: “Mum, being the crazy woman she is, will be doing a Wing Walk on July 13, to raise money for local mental health charities.”
Amy completed the post: “Keep smiling and dancing, see you next year.”
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