Good music, good people and good vibes promised at Kettering day party for Mind

Feel Good Fest first launched in 2020 with a virtual event due to Covid, before returning with live music and entertainment in 2021 and 2022.

After a small break, the festival is making a comeback this summer with a day party at the Wayfarers Inn in London Road, Kettering from midday onwards on Saturday, August 29.

Six DJs will be playing from midday to 8pm, with No. 1 Smash and Grab offering food during the day alongside an ice-cream van.

All money raised by the event will be donated to mental health charity Mind, with the inspiration behind Feel Good Fest being organiser Tom Deacon’s cousin Eugene Parbery.

Eugene from Wellingborough battled with his mental health for several years and his family was heartbroken when it became too much for him in December 2019 when he was just 36.

Tom wanted to do something in Eugene's memory and this is where Feel Good Fest first started.

The event is designed to bring the community together while raising funds and awareness of what Mind does.

Mind will be represented on the day and the event is also being supported by Kettering Brotherhood, a group which offers a place for men to talk, support and build friendships.

Several local businesses are already supporting the event with sponsorship, including ERG Builders, SD Exterior Cleaning, Baked Bean Marketing and MJN Entertainment.

Ian Hughes is director of the UE Group in Corby, which is also one of the sponsors.

Tom is very grateful of Ian’s support, adding: “He’s supported us from day one.”

Ian spoke to the Northants Telegraph and said: “I have known Tom for many years.

"It’s a great charity, one which is close to my heart and I know it’s close to Tom too.

"We are in a fortunate position as a company that we can give a little bit back.

"We like to give a bit back to the community."

Ian is hoping to be there on the day and he really wants to raise awareness of support out there from charities like Mind if you are struggling with your mental health.

He added: “Everybody, but young men especially, might need support and to know that support is out there.”

While preparations are going well, there’s still time to get involved.

Tom is looking for any businesses that would like to sponsor the event or donate raffle prizes – anyone interested in getting involved can email [email protected] or call Tom on 07932 938017.

Eugene, who worked as a courier driver at DPD in Raunds and lived in Wellingborough, loved his music and loved to rave so anyone who wants to support Tom's fundraiser inspired by his cousin can find out more by visiting the Feel Good Fest Facebook page or the festival website here.

For more information about mental health charity Mind, visit the Mind website.

To read more about Eugene and his family's desire to raise awareness of mental health, click here.