FRIENDS of a man who passed away from cancer will stage a gig in his honour after he ‘wanted a party and not a funeral’.

Faren Short, who lived in Pokesdown, died earlier this year at the age of 60 following a “brave and dignified battle” with the disease.

Mr Short left a letter to his friends, David Chinery and Ross Ferrone, to read after his death, which asked the duo to put on a party in his name featuring live music from bands he had picked himself.

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Mr Chinery said: “He was obsessed with music, particularly live music attending thousands of gigs throughout his life supporting national and local bands. He spent a lot of time at The Anvil and Chaplins.

“Faren sent a letter which detailed that he wanted the event to raise money for the Sophie Lancaster Foundation, which is a charity all about being different.”

The foundation is an organisation set-up following the death of Sophie Lancaster in 2007 to promote tolerance and acceptance for others.

Faren’s party, or Fazza Fest as his friends have called it, will be taking place at the Madding Crowd music venue in Commercial Road in Bournemouth on Friday, October 29, and Saturday, October 30.

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The line up will feature a whole variety of bands all picked by Faren between 7pm and 11pm on Friday and 12pm until 11pm on the Saturday.

Mr Chinery said they will be purchasing a cardboard cut-out of Faren to be placed near the stage because “it’s still weird he isn’t there”.

“It was all about the music if we were talking. I remember taking my son, who was 17, to a gig and he was wearing a jacket like Faren and they just chatted despite the age gap.”

Faren made some of his clothes and Mr Chinery confirmed they would be selling off his shirts, alongside running a raffle, all in a bid to raise money for charity.

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Prior to his death Faren was looked after by his brother John Short who cared for him up to his final days.

“He was never scared of dying, his spirit was never broken. I can’t say I’d be the same,” Mr Chinery added.

Tickets cost £10 for the Friday and £15 for the Saturday, for the over 18 event , and are available to purchase online via ticketweb.uk/event/fazza-fest-madding-crowd-tickets

Donations to the Sophie Lancaster Foundation in Faren’s name.