FROM the splendidly named email address grandoldudeofyork comes news of Dudestock 2011, tomorrow’s family-friendly music festival at Bustardthorpe Fields, Knavesmire, York.

“The best part? It’s all for charity,” says the Arch Dude of York, Rev Kristian Lewin, Dudestock committee president and event manager, who will donate the entire proceeds, minus essential overheads, to York Hospital’s Special Care Baby Unit “Organising a music festival with no budget has been a real challenge, challenges we’re still facing, but we know that the stress will be worth it in the end. It promises to be an amazing day,” he adds.

Should you be wondering what Dudestock is, here is the Arch Dude’s explanation.

“Dudestock has its roots in Dudeism, the religion based on the teachings of the Coen Brothers’ film The Big Lebowski,” says Kristian, an ordained minister in the Church of the Latter Day Dude.

“The inspiration came from two places. It all started when I was having a conversation with a fellow Dudeist Priest, Matti Sim, Mother Duderior, and it was decided that the UK needed an event where members of the Church of the Latter Day Dude, the slowest growing religion in the world, could get together for a day of peace and music. Dudestock was born.

“Then my good lady, Silviya Petrova [Dudestock’s health and safety officer and fiancée to Kristian], suggested it should be for the benefit of the baby unit.”

Kristian and Silviya have two children, both born at York Hospital. “Fortunately we’ve had no issues that required the special care unit but knowing it’s there is a massive reassurance,” says the Arch Dude.

“However, we have a friend, Laura, who’s had first-hand experience of the unit. Her baby girl, Lily-Mai, was born 19 weeks premature and spent 11 weeks there and nearly died twice.”

Dudestock will be divided into a family-friendly diurnal programme and a night of music ranging from pop to dirty blues.

“The daytime will play host to The Pride Of York, who’ll provide all the entertainments for children including bouncy castles and trampolines, and the evening promises revelry and rock,” says the Arch Dude.

“During the entire day refreshments and alcohol will be available, along with merchandise sold by the bands you’ll see on stage. There may also be an appearance from a very special guest.”

The festival’s headliners, theFallen, have just finished a tour of Finland and will be touring China in September. Principle support act A Joker’s Rage, fronted by former Kid Ego singer Zakk Taylor, have a tour of the United States on the horizon and their Dudestock set will include contributions from friends from York bands Hot Fudge and Testtone3.

Look out too for Believe In Fate, who have won through to the national final of the Live And Unsigned competition from more than 10,000 entrants, and River City Ransom, whose Dudestock slot was earned by winning a Battle of the Bands competition in York.

Other bands include York acts The Pauper Kings, Astrae, Testtone3 and Dead Rebellion; The Deadlight, from Scarborough; D’Nile, from Harrogate; Euphoria Audio, from Leeds; Exit State, from Manchester; The Burning Crows, from Norwich; Chris Laidler, from Kelso, Scotland; Billy Del Mountain, from Thailand; and Vanity, apparently “the UK’s next big girl band”.

Tickets can be booked on 07790 509 100 or 01904 270490 or online at dudestock.co.uk