In February 2013 Chris ‘Fin’ Findley was attacked whilst trying to do the right thing - break up a fight between a male and two females. As he was walking away from the incident he was struck from behind by the male. Fin was knocked unconscious and sustained life threatening brain injuries. Whilst unconscious on the floor the two females who he had been trying to protect kicked him repeatedly. He was placed in a medically induced coma and later underwent brain surgery but died ten days later of the injuries sustained.

Fin was a serving Police Officer and only thirty three years old.

“He was unique, charismatic, the life and soul of any event and was loved by many” said Simon Hensley. Simon went on to add “Fin was my best friend and great human being”

After a lengthy trial the male who inflicted Fin’s injuries received three years in custody for the Manslaughter of Fin. A plaque on a bench did not seem befitting of Fin, so Fin’s best Friend Simon Hensley decided to celebrate Fin’s life by embracing the things that he loved most in life: Music, camping and having a great time.

On Saturday the 21st September 2013 (the weekend after Fin’s birthday) Simon Hensley solely organized the first ever Finfest! Over 200 people united on a farmer’s field in Abbots Bromley in Staffordshire to celebrate Fin’s life, raise money for charity and have a fantastic time. There were twelve live bands, a bucking bronco, silent disco and many more attractions. The most fantastic time was had by all and as it is a not for profit event there were no hidden motives it was purely about having an epic time.

Friday the 19th & Saturday the 20th September 2014 are the dates for Finfest 2014. The event has grown exponentially since last year and is now spread over two days and three stages. It is expected over six hundred people would be attending this years event and there already have over a dozen bands signing up to audition for Finfest 2015!. “Our simple ethos and charity connection has struck a chord (excuse the pun) with soo many people” Said Simon Hensley

He adds “We have a number of famous faces joining us this year – 90’s Britpop legends Dodgy, John Power (from Cast and the LA’s) Mark Morriss (front man of the Bluetones) who have had over 30 UK top 40 hits between them as well as up and coming bands such as Jettblack, Primitai and The Wild Lies to name but a few, we already have over forty bands for Finfest 2014! We also have Luke Concannon from Nizlopi who is most famous for the UK No. 1 Hit JCB! “

Their adopted charity is the Brain and Spine Foundation, which deal with injuries such as those Fin sustained. To date Simon Hensley through Fin’s event have raised over £5000 for them!

Simon Hensley is also passionate about providing opportunities for young and local artists to be able to showcase their talent and have hosted ‘battle of the bands’ competitions to local youth clubs and educational establishments, as well as an affordable option to larger festivals. Weekend tickets (including camping) are only £30!

Website: http://www.finfest.co.uk/