Fudstock in Barrow announces return - two years after serious incident

Fudstock will return in full force this July to offer a day of family fun and entertainment to the local community.

The festival started in 2018 to commemorate the life of Barrovian Richard Thorne AKA Fud.

Fudstock supports St Mary’s Hospice, the Ulverston-based charity that cared for Fud in the final weeks of his life, and has raised tens of thousands of pounds to this end over the years.

Organisers announced the festival’s long-anticipated return on social media, stating: “So it’s happening again. We will be back in July to offer a day of fun for all the family and hosting some great Bands/DJs and entertainment to the local community.

“Plans are underway, so keep an eye on the socials for updates. July 15, save the date!”

Thousands of festival-goers enjoyed a day full of music in the glorious sunshine at Cavendish Park in August 2021.

However, the festival took a turn for the worst later on in the evening after three people were left seriously injured following a fairground ride accident.

Among those was Chloe Austin, then 20-years-old, who was ejected and dragged underneath a ride while it was still in motion.

READ MORE: Chloe Austin who was injured at Fudstock in Barrow speaks out

Chloe sustained multiple life-threatening injuries and it was feared at the time of the incident, and in the hours and days that followed, that she would not survive.

She had a complex open book fracture to her pelvis, multiple internal injuries, an open fracture of her lower leg, and multiple chest and facial injuries.

Chloe was in hospital for a total of 90 days and was treated by multiple surgical specialties.

More than £5,000 was raised in the days after a fundraiser was launched for Chloe to help with costs associated with her ongoing care.

A spokeswoman for Health and Safety Executive (HSE), Britain's national regulator for workplace health and safety, is continuing to investigate the incident.