An 18-year-old woman who died after falling ill at a North Wales music festival has been remembered as bright, funny and kind by those who knew her. Lucy Halpin was identified locally as the victim after emergency services were called to a medical incident at Tonnau Festival on Anglesey in the early hours of 11 July. The festival was subsequently cancelled, and North Wales Police are treating her death as unexpected while investigations continue.
Tributes from Colleagues and Friends
Staff at The Breeze Hill Bar, Eatery and Hotel on Anglesey, where Lucy worked, said they were "broken" following the loss of the "wonderful" young woman, which occurred just weeks after she celebrated her 18th birthday. In a statement, the pub described her as "caring, funny, clever and always smiling" and noted that she was "treasured" as a member of their extended family. The statement added: "It has been a very sad week at The Breeze Hill. A broken pub full of broken hearts."
A fundraising appeal has been launched by Lucy's friends, who shared cherished memories of her. They wrote: "Anyone who knew Lucy would know she was kind, caring and a good friend. Everyone around her knew how bright and funny she was. She lit up every room she walked into and put a smile on everyone's face without fail." The group described her as having been "tragically taken away from us too soon" and said she would be "carried in all our lives with love and will be deeply missed."
Police and Festival Response
North Wales Police confirmed that emergency services attended the Tonnau festival at Carreglwyd Estate at around 1.45am on July 11 following reports of a medical emergency. Despite their best efforts, the 18-year-old woman later died in hospital. Detective Inspector Iolo Edwards said: "Our thoughts remain with the woman's family and loved ones at this difficult time. We urge members of the public not to speculate on the circumstances of the death, and anybody with information that could assist our enquiries should contact us via our website or by calling 101, quoting reference O110259."
Festival organisers expressed deep sadness in an official statement, confirming that an attendee had tragically passed away following a severe medical emergency. They noted that on-site welfare teams, security, and emergency medical staff responded immediately, but the attendee later died in hospital. The decision was made to close the remainder of the festival to allow emergency services and local authorities to conduct their work. The organisers said: "Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with the attendee's family and friends during this incredibly difficult time."
Fundraiser and Memorial Plans
Lucy's friends launched a GoFundMe page to raise funds for her family, with the aim of giving her "the best send-off she deserves." The Breeze Hill pub has also called on the community to help smash the target total and is accepting cash donations. Plans for a memorial event are being discussed with Lucy's family and friends. The pub's statement concluded: "Lucy was like a glue between them, a magical bond."
The Tonnau Festival, held at Carreglwyd Estate in Llanfaethlu, Anglesey, was scheduled to run from July 10 to 12, with a line-up featuring Jamz Supernova, Mr Scruff, and others. The event attracts around 2,000 attendees and presents international bands and DJs alongside culture, food, and drink.
