THE ORGANISERS of a festival held to remember a Flintshire musician say it was a 'massive success'.

Alastair Thomas died of Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA) on October 2, 2018.

Known as Ali, he was a singer and musician from Flint who had two young children and died of Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA) aged 35, having previously been diagnosed with type 1 diabetes in his early twenties.

Ali, who was a pupil at St Richard Gwyn in Flint, had followed his dream of becoming a musician after completing his studies.

The local rock star travelled across the UK to perform at various events as a soloist and as a duo in ‘The Statements’ and a group called ‘Universal Exports’.

Now, in tribute to his musical abilities and his life in general, a new music festival launched earlier this month.

The first-ever AliFest was held at Rhydymwyn Football Club on Saturday, July 6 and proved to be a 'massive success', according to its organisers,

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The festival was all about great music and raising awareness of the symptoms and complications of Type 1 Diabetes.

Funds raised from the festival will be put towards the Diabetes UK Cymru to aid their work in supporting people living with diabetes and fighting for a cure.

The team attracted a plethora of amazing local talent to join them at the special event including; Monkey Wrench, Muddy Elephant, Royle Breach, Adele Crimes, The New Kid, Wax Lyrical, Sphelm, Smithson and Rkid and many more.

Ali's mum Dee Pinnington, who was one of the organisers, said: "The event was a massive success where we raised much needed awareness of Type 1 diabetes and its possible complications and much needed funds were raised for Diabetes UK Cymru. It was a day that was full of memories of Ali and lots of fun in his name. 

(Image: Dee Pinnington) PIC: The festival was set up in memory of Ali Thomas.

"I was able to deliver a speech in my son’s memory about his zest for life, how we as a family have been impacted by his death and the challenges of living with Type 1 diabetes.

"Together with how important it is to have people with you who understand the possible complications of having this condition and know what to do in an emergency. 

"There was some great music from local bands and Optimus prime and Bumblebee were entertaining the crowds together with craft stalls and food outlets."