Caroline Flack’s mother Christine has said the sadness over her daughter’s death “doesn’t go” but she hopes a festival in her honour will celebrate her in a “really positive way”.
The event, which has been dubbed Flackstock and will take place on July 25, will feature acts from the worlds of comedy, dance and music, and will also raise funds for mental health charities.
Singers Olly Murs, Natalie Imbruglia, Louise Redknapp and Fleur East are among the acts to be announced for the event, which will be held in the grounds of Englefield House, near Pangbourne in Berkshire.
'She loved dancing, singing and festivals.'
Caroline Flack's mum Christine and friend @NataliePinkham talk to @adilray and @kategarraway about the ultimate tribute in celebration of Caroline's life – a festival of music, dance and comedy. pic.twitter.com/WuwF3SN09p
— Good Morning Britain (@GMB) June 17, 2022
Former Love Island presenter Flack took her own life at the age of 40 in February 2020.
Appearing on Good Morning Britain, her mother Christine said: “In a really positive way, she loved dancing and singing.
“She loved festivals and there was such negativity around when she died that this is something that she was really like. It was her 90% of the time.
“It’s the best way I can think that we can celebrate her. Because she was like that. She thought about people’s feelings.
“Things, they do hurt. But this will just be positive.
“We will be laughing. We will be singing hopefully. We will probably do quite a bit of crying. But it is just lovely.
“And everyone that has been asked has said yes if they can, or they have volunteered to be in it.”
Excited to announce Flackstock at Englefield House on 25 July 2022. An evening of live music, dance & comedy in aid of @MindCharity, @samaritans, @chooselove & @CharlieWallerUK charities, in association with @HeritageLiveGCE & @McDonalds Register for tix https://t.co/yQ1vY6ai1e🌟 pic.twitter.com/cKSnwmeveT
— Flackstock (@flackstock) April 26, 2022
Asked by host Kate Garraway how she was faring personally, Christine became emotional as she said: “I just feel really sad and I don’t think that feeling is going to go.
“I think you just feel there’s a sadness. But you get on with things. Everybody has to get on with life and do things. But the sadness doesn’t go.”
She was accompanied on the show by sports broadcaster Natalie Pinkham, a close friend of Caroline, who said it was especially important people came together.
She said: “As Chris alluded to, because of the pandemic, like so many others, we didn’t get the chance to do a memorial service for her, which we would have loved.
“And I think a big part of grief is coming together and we weren’t able to do that either and so this represents all of that in a very positive way.”
Flackstock will be held on July 25 from 4pm-10.30pm with tickets available now.