On the August 2 the Upper George pub in Halifax played host to Stokestock 2008.

The event was in memory of one of my friends, Helen Stokes who was murdered two years ago.

Time has moved on so quickly since that day when we all learned the news that changed our lives forever.

Helen touched so many lives that it was only right that a fitting tribute was arranged, and Stokestock was born.

It was the first outing for the mini festival last year and it was a fantastic day, so this year it had to be bigger and better and I think we definitely did that and more besides.

A total of 22 bands played from lunchtime into the early hours with Kubrick finishing off with the now anthemic Mama Stokes, a song written about Helen, which was given a new twist with Dan sharing the vocals with Dave.

It was such a touching tribute and looking round the George yard there was not a dry eye in sight, lighters aloft and mobiles glowing in the moonlight. It was a sight to behold.

It was also the last time Kubrick would perform together so it was a very special moment.

Not even the taxi strike could keep people away and the whole place was buzzing.

Even when the rain came down it did not dampen the spirits and there was a sea of brollies in the audience, but the rain subsided and it was fine for the rest of the day.

I would like to thank the following people for contributing items for the raffle Asda, Ricci and Capone, Othellos, Cagneys, Sainsburys, Tesco, Fat Cat, S Burns, K Doyle, K Bowers and Chris. We managed to raise £362 on the raffle alone and many thanks to all who bought tickets.

Everyone involved on the day worked their socks off from the bar staff to all the bands appearing, so a big thank you to all of you. The rest of the proceeds have yet to be counted from the sale of badges, tee-shirts and CDs, so if you still want to purchase these call in to the Upper George and pick them up. The proceeds of the event will be split between the PDSA and SAMM (a support group for families affected by murder and manslaughter).

I am glad that the day went well and I am sure that Helen would have been chuckling at her face on all the posters and banners and would have been soaking up the atmosphere with the rest of us. Roll on next year, August 1, for Stokestock 2009. Bring it on!

Lisa Dickinson