SoulStock, the little musical festival that could, has grown into one of the area’s largest Christian rock concerts since its conception in 1998.

Last year more than 16,000 people attended the event.

“It’s gotten much bigger than we ever dreamed,” said Phillip Presley, SoulStock committee president. “We had to become a business.”

The 8th annual SoulStock event is May 6 at Beasley Field at Athens State University.

Presley said that he thinks the event offers people who don’t attend church services an opportunity to hear the gospel message and it’s one of few events for which a variety of denominations unite.

He also said the event is a great family event because it is affordable. No admission is charged, but donations will be accepted. Vendors will be on site offering a variety of foods.

Any money left after the event is funded will go into the community through donations.

Presley said the mission of Soulstock is: “To plant the seed of Jesus Christ in the hearts of our youth and to promote a spirit of unity among all who put their trust in Him.”

Presley said that 30 churches from nine denominations, mainly from Athens and Limestone County, helped with the event last year. Churches from Florence, Huntsville and Decatur also contributed.

The headline band for this year’s event is Kutless. Others to be featured are Shaun Groves, 56 Henry and event speaker Rick Ousley.

For more information, visit www.soulstock.com.