Bodmin fundraiser's proud moment among the stars as he attends Pride of Britain Awards

A CORNISH fundraiser who turned a tribute to his late father into a charity phenomenon raising more than £100,000 has enjoyed a night among the stars after being honoured at the Pride of Britain Awards.

Luke Hodge, from Bodmin, was named the Westcountry’s 2026 Pride of Britain Fundraiser of the Year in recognition of almost 20 years spent helping organise Alstock, the much-loved music festival held in memory of his father, legendary musician Al Hodge.

The firefighter – along with sister Jodi Davies – were invited to the national ceremony after receiving the regional award for his tireless work with the festival, which brought people together in Priory Park and raised money for local and national good causes.

And while the occasion delivered a red carpet, paparazzi and a room packed with celebrities, Luke was keen to make one thing clear: the recognition belonged to everyone who helped make Alstock what it was.

“It was mad,” he said. “We arrived in black cabs and got out to find it absolutely full of celebrities and people everywhere. There were paparazzi taking pictures, and lots of children there helping create an atmosphere, which was really nice.

“I’d never seen so many celebrities in my life, but they were all really approachable, positive and lovely,” he said. “You could have your photograph taken with them, and everyone mingled together. It wasn’t a case of celebrities being kept separate from the award winners. It was a really nice mix.”

But for Luke, the biggest honour was representing the army of volunteers, musicians, traders, sponsors and festival-goers who helped Alstock raise more than £100,000 over nearly two decades.

“I know it’s me and it’s my name on the award, but this has everything to do with the people who have helped Alstock become what it is,” he said. “It’s also about the people who have paid to come along, whatever the weather. If people don’t buy tickets, we can’t keep Alstock running. I feel absolutely privileged and honoured to have had the opportunity to represent Alstock.”

The festival began in 2007 after musicians gathered at the wake following Al’s funeral and decided to organise an event in his memory. What started as an idea in Priory Park grew into a much-loved annual fixture, also supporting young musicians through the Al Hodge Award.

Luke decided to bring Alstock to an end this year as he takes on increased caring responsibilities at home for his young son Seth. However, he has not ruled out the possibility of a one-off event in the future.

“Although we’ve stopped it, there’s no reason why we couldn’t put on another one-off Alstock event in a few years’ time. I genuinely think that could happen,” he said.

“The nicest thing about that day, though, was spending time with my sister. It sounds silly, but we don’t get to do it enough,” he said. “She had the best time, and so did I. There were a couple of moments when we looked at each other and thought, ‘This is really special.’ Dad would have loved it.”