Ringstead FebFest bands boost for John's charity cycle marathon total

A Kettering musician, who successfully completed a gruelling 11-day and 23-hour cycle marathon, will take to the stage with nine other acts at a fundraising festival to boost his charity pot.

John Gibbs is aiming to raise at least £1,000 to support three projects and only needs £103 to reach the target.

All money will be split between Johnny’s Happy Place in Kettering which runs a mental wellbeing cafe, Kettering's Green Patch community garden, and Grafton Underwood-based Equata, who provide equine therapy.

John, who moved to Kettering from Northampton a year ago, said: "I want to support local charities, not big national ones because of all their work in the community.

"I'd re-found my passion for cycling and thought it would be a good idea to focus on the ride, to set myself a goal.

"After a couple of days, I did ask myself the question 'what the hell am I doing?'. I got better at planning and when I arrived at the end it was quite emotional."

John, 50, struck out in July taking eleven days and 23 hours to complete the cycle challenge from Land’s End to John O’Groats - a distance of 1,048 miles.

Cycling solo and forgoing home comforts some of the nights he slept in a bivvy bag but he said he was motivated by wanting to raise at least £1,500.

To help him reach his target, John will be joined by a mix of bands and solo performers including Ethan Kenna, Dan Hughes, David Peters, The Fed Sisters, Tu-Kay & Ryan, Steph Ashcroft, Whale, Family of Noise, Stevie Jones and the Wildfires and his own rock covers band Silver Smith.

FebFest organiser Roger Kinsey said: "I followed John's progress in the summer and when he got back I said what a fantastic achievement, why don't we round the total up and put on a gig?

"All the musicians are giving their time for free and there will be such a broad range of music it will be an opportunity for people to come a heard some good music.

"Food will be a £2 donation for the a plate of food from the buffet and entry on the door is £5 which includes five raffle tickets."

John added: "I'd like to thank everyone for their support and who have donated money, time and prizes."

Donations of vouchers and gifts for the raffle can be dropped off at Ringstead Village Social Club on any evening from 7.30pm or on the evening.

FebFest will take place at Ringstead Village Social Club, in High Street, NN14 4DA on Saturday, February 1 from 5.30pm to midnight.