THE team behind a popular festival which attracts thousands of people to Haddington is appealing for financial support.

Haddstock has become a staple of the town’s social calendar since it launched in 2017.

The event, which takes place this year from May 24 to 26, partners with local community groups and organisations to provide interactive events for all ages to celebrate community arts and increase wellbeing.

It also offers a platform for local musicians and young bands to perform in a relaxed setting, and works with local pubs, cafes, schools and East Lothian Council Arts Service to deliver events.

Dozens of budding musicians are given the chance to strut their stuff in front of live audiences.

More than 4,000 people attend the various events, which can provide a boost to local businesses.

Already, the team has raised finances to cover most of the planned free community, family and climate change events, as well as an East Lothian high schools Battle of the Bands and a Newcomer Stage at the Corn Exchange.

Working alongside The Brunton, a headliner event will take place at Haddington Corn Exchange.

'Looking for heroes'

A spokesperson for the event said: “However, there is a shortfall in funding to pay local musicians and tech teams who bring Haddington’s pubs and cafes to life with live music, increased footfall and the much-needed business boost that the festival generates.

“Many music venues have kindly contributed towards hosting music but additional funds are required to deliver these events and to help with festival running costs.

“This shortfall has come about as a result of reductions in local authority funding, a Creative Scotland funding application being declined and a key sponsor in 2023 going into administration.

“We are looking for heroes, philanthropists and local businesses to support Haddstock and enable us to deliver a full programme of events.”

Haddstock is already working alongside Belltown Power, Go Fibre, East Lothian Council Arts Service, Haddington Common Good Fund, Haddington and District Community Council, Haddington and Lammermuir Area Partnership (HALAP), Haddington Library and The Brunton.

For more information, go to haddstock.co.uk or email info@haddstock.co.uk