About Us

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Formerly a piano student, I turned to guitar when I was ten as I had more of an affinity toward Clapton than Chopin and Denver to Debussy. Having also a trained, albeit operatic voice, I graduated from music school and spent time touring local folk clubs with my brother on bass guitar. One night, we were spotted by Brian Milthorp, a music scout, who offered to help us along in the industry. Though Brian was no musician, he was a great business man and a personal friend of Beatles manager, Brian Epstein. We toured with him as manager, and had various agents country wide having recruited two incredibly talented musicians, namely Max Hunt (Keys) and Ian Roostan (drums). We were called Eclypse and played mostly Country at shows and dinner dances. Being all youngsters, I think we were eventually overcome by love, marriage and babies. (Well some of us) and touring with young family is not ideal, so in the mid eighties we went our separate ways. I got a real job but did the occasional music performance with friends and accomplished musicians. Following the passing of my wife with breast cancer during lockdown, I promised all my friends that once we could mingle again, I would get out the guitar and perform one or two songs for a small party. With that, a majority of aforesaid musicians contacted me and asked if they could perform with me once again. The event became more of a mini festival in honour of my late wife Belinda (Bel)

And so was formed FestiBel.

My favourite song in the set is Hotel California, because of the guitar duet at the end!

After destroying the arms of my parents armchairs and sofa with knitting needles, I progressed onto destruction of the dining table with knife and fork. Then one Christmas a drum kit arrived and 50 years later still loving it.
Favourite song SWLABR Joe Bonamassa. Would love to get it on the set list to perform with Chris. Would be a massive “proud dad” moment

Started my singing life as a Chorister in St Johns Woodley church choir. By the time I was 13 Rock n roll took over my soul, and was in various local Reading rock bands over the years. I spent a bit of time as a founding member of British Prog Rock band Thieves Kitchen, where I got to play over in America and Mexico. I now can be heard singing with my covers band Last men standin' and his Rock band A Very Deep Hole that plays original songs. My favourite song to sing from the Festibel set list is Highway to Hell

Since turning 50 I've decided to become a rock star and hope to get into the charts by the age of 60!!! 

I'm from a Farming and horse racing background, yes, a real hillbilly!! My mother ended up marrying my Dad who was a professional drummer, who later became a one-man singer/guitarist, covering the likes of Elvis and general country songs. At a young age, we were forced to become the roadies, attending many line dancing and gun coral shoots in village halls...in my early 20s My sister and I joined him on stage for a few songs. Anyway, that didn't last long, we all continued with our separate careers... 

Now, years later, something happened, unfortunately one of the best human beings is no longer here to see what we are doing. For the love and memory of Bel, we all got together, to perform a remembrance concert which was beautiful but heart wrenching at the same time. 

Nick and Bel have been close friends of mine for years now, and my favourite song that I'm going to sing is Landslide by Fleetwood Mac, Bel loved Nick singing it to her, and if Bel was to write a song, this would have been it... 

I've always loved to sing and one day I picked up my brother's old guitar, a Beatles songbook and taught myself to play with the target of being able to accompany myself around the campfire. Some 30 years later after two kids and work, I'm not much further on in my guitar playing ability but nevertheless my love of music has only grown.

I've played in various duos and bands in my time pre kids, including a couple of sets with Nick. Having answered Nick's call to arms, I'm now firmly and enthusiastically part of the FestiBel gang in honour of our dear friend Bel. 

My favourite song to sing is Black Velvet and I love our rendition of Proud Mary - actually used to loathe the song but our version is very enjoyable - as you will see!

Andy and I first met Nick and Bel back in the 80’s, initially through Motor Sport and have remained good friends ever since.

1st live music with Nick - 8/8/15 at a BBQ, in their back garden which Mr and Mrs P. (As we called them!) hosted- a ‘thank you’ for family and friends for the support given to both  throughout Bels first illness.

2nd live music- 22/8/21 was FestiBel! Sadly without Bel.
A band put together of Nick and Bel’s friends to celebrate Bel,  for those unable to attend her funeral due to the covid restrictions!
A wonderful party atmosphere, which Bel would have loved.
Plenty of emotion too.
A truly amazing experience, playing music with these lovely talented people.
For me a very proud Mum moment - being on stage with Philip

There’s always been a piano in my world and starting playing many years ago. My sister and I shared a weekly piano lesson@ Pro Musica, in Maidenhead.  Our Mum was musical too and we often played duets, great fun.
Had The pleasure of accompanying a school choir, and being a member of Beenham and Bradfield Drama Group, which I thoroughly enjoyed, (a bit of acting and singing!)


I have a huge love and respect for music.
Fascinated with harmonies & Lyrics and the ability it has to take you back to an exact place in time, reminding you of an event -be it happy or sad.

My favourite song on the set list is
I Can’t Explain by The Who  as it Still sounds fresh today .

First of all it is a real privilege to be a part of FestiBel - I've known Nick & Bel for as long as I can remember, they were close friends of the family and I'm really pleased to be supporting such a great cause.

So, I got my first guitar as a birthday present when I was 11 or 12 - bought from our next door neighbour.

Shortly afterwards Nick & Bel came over and Nick showed me how to play a few bits (or 'all of Status Quo' as Nick put it).

From there I played with groups at school,  and in later years played in a small function band with my friends doing weddings, pubs, parties. 

It's great to play in a big band again, great to see Nick still enjoying his music and to get mum out playing with a real live band!  

I'm enjoying the mix and can't decide on a favourite song... but highlights for me are: adding small parts to the cosy quiet songs, listening to the voices blend on the slow builders and of course, indulging in the obligatory rock-out!

Look forward to seeing you all on the day!

I had the pleasure of meeting the Festibel group a couple of years back. 

Phil introduced me, having had a long standing friendship over 20 years and an involvement with music together.  

The charity is extremely close to my heart having had an unfortunate experience of cancer within my immediate family. 

I am therefore extremely honoured to be invited to perform along with the band

I am one of the newest members to FestiBel after being introduced very recently and I have been welcomed with open arms, I already feel like part of the family.

I have grown up in a musical family and for as long as I can remember I have always loved to sing. I had classical training in my teens which wasn’t seen to be particularly cool, so after grade 5 I rebelled and just reverted to standard teenage behaviour.
I still have ambitions to self teach myself guitar although making the time isn’t easy, and I’m not willing to sacrifice my nice nails just yet, so for now I’ll stick to vocals and tambourine!


I have to say it’s an honour to be performing alongside these incredibly talented people and be supporting this amazing cause.

I played in various rock and function bands from late 60s to early 90s ,then duo and solo work on vocals and guitar up to 2010s, then bass and vocals in a blues rock band up to present - also doing various jams around the area.

Our youngest band member, we are excited to have Alex join us for a couple of numbers

I am the front man and founder of the covers band 'Unbelievable JEFF' based in Camberley. I play lbass and drums (and his vocal cords!) and has been playing for nearly 30 years (and still seeking perfection!). I have 4 kids and works in Sales & Marketing and I am delighted to be joining the FestiBel band for this special event.