There was music playing, children laughing and families enjoying the sunshine at Milford’s Jubilee Field.

For a few hours, it felt like any other summer festival.

But for Martin and Tara Cosser, every person who turned up was also a reminder of the boy who should have been there.

Their son Charlie was just 17 when he was fatally stabbed at a house party in Warnham three years ago.

Now, his family holds Charlie’s Festival each summer in his memory – giving the community that rallied around them in their darkest days a chance to come together and remember their little boy.

And this year’s event was bigger than ever, with hundreds of people attending from Milford, Woking, Farnham and across the country.

Martin said: “Charlie’s Festival was an incredible day. The event is about us as a family giving something back to the community who has helped us and who also miss Charlie.”

He paid tribute to everyone who helped make the day happen, particularly organisers James and Josefine Austin and the volunteers who gave their time.

“They did the lion’s share of the work, along with all the volunteers,” he said. “We are so incredibly grateful to everybody who supported us, donated prizes and gave their time.”

Martin added: “All these people are here having fun because of our family’s darkest moment. We’re so proud, but it’s always a reminder that our little boy would be here if it wasn’t for him being gone.”

Summer is particularly difficult for the family, with the anniversary of Charlie’s death and the festival falling within weeks of each other.

Yet they continue because they want Charlie’s name – and his legacy through Charlie’s Promise – to live on.

Among those attending were families who understand the Cossers’ pain like few others can.

Around 10 families who have lost children to knife crime were at the festival, including Rob Freckleton, whose 19-year-old son Oliver was stabbed while protecting friends at a party.

Rob travelled from the Midlands after becoming close friends with the Cosser family.

“We wish we weren’t friends,” he said. “We’ve become very close because of such a heartbreaking reason. It was a very emotional day and showed the incredible amount of love and support for Charlie. Only we know how each other feel. Nothing is out of bounds because we both know exactly what the other is going through.”

He said it felt as though Charlie and Oliver were there with them.

“They would have absolutely loved the event,” he said. “It really is bittersweet in our new world.”

For Charlie’s brother Adam, seeing the festival grow is something he believes Charlie would have been proud of.

“It’s brilliant for the charity and the event is getting bigger and bigger each year,” he said. “I know Charlie would be so proud of what we’re doing and how the charity is going. It’s been really, really tough. Although it’s been three years, it hasn’t got any easier.”

As the festival ended, a tribute was held for the other families who have been forced to live with the same devastating loss.

For Martin and Tara, that is one of the most important parts of Charlie’s legacy – making sure no family has to feel quite so alone.