As the team prepares for the end of May event at the Kentwell Hall in Long Melford, they've just announced that total donations to the Willow Foundation have topped £200,000, which is an absolutely incredible amount.
But 2026 is also a year tinged with loss. Edd Keogh, the man who conceived LeeStock and drove it forward from day one, passed away on 28th November 2025. This year, for the first time, artists will perform on the Edd Keogh Main Stage - a tribute that, by all accounts, Edd himself would have absolutely hated. Which is probably exactly why it's right.
If you're new to the LeeStock story, here's the short version. In 2006, Lee Dunford - a popular local lad and passion music fan - died at just 21. Two years later, his friends decided to do something to keep his memory alive. What started as a small memorial gig has grown into one of Suffolk's most loved annual events, drawing thousands of music fans to the grounds of Kentwell Hall and welcoming acts including Ash, Wheatus and Scouting for Girls over the years.
The Willow Foundation - the charity at the heart of everything LeeStock does - works with seriously ill young adults aged 16 to 40, providing Special Days that create lasting memories away from the daily realities of living with illness. It was a charity that supported Lee himself, which is why it has always been at the centre of what the festival is about.
Matt Keogh, festival organiser and Edd's brother, put it better than anyone else could:
"This year, LeeStock will be a particularly emotional one for many of us. We lost Edd on 28th November and miss him every day. Edd conceived, created and drove LeeStock from 2008 right up until the day before he left us. A true lasting legacy, borne selflessly of a love for his childhood friend Lee."
He added: "LeeStock was Edd's creation and, although he would hate the idea, we feel it is right to name our main stage in his memory. Edd's only thought was to honour Lee's memory and to raise money for the Willow Foundation. This ethos will never change and, to date, over £200,000 has been donated to Willow in Lee's memory. It's safe to say this was probably one of Edd's better ideas!"
As for 2026's line-up - it's a good one. Sonique, Louise and a DJ set from Craig Charles are among the headline acts confirmed, and tickets are available now including discounted Family and Blue Light options.
You can find full details and book your tickets atwww.leestock.org.
LeeStock takes place at the end of May at Kentwell Hall, Long Melford. Go and have a brilliant time - and raise a glass to Lee, to Edd, and to eighteen years of something that really matters.
