Talent show raising funds in memory of local boy

Last year's talent show raised more than £5,000 for Youth Works Northamptonshire

A talent show fundraiser in memory of a schoolboy who lost his battle with cancer is to return this afternoon for its second year.

The Seb Factor will be held at the Lighthouse Theatre, Kettering, and aims to raise money for families experiencing long-term illnesses.

The show will feature 15 young local acts and is in memory of six-year-old Sebastian Nunney who died in January 2024.

Gregg Nunney, Sebastian's dad, said it was important "families get the support they need".

Sebastian was diagnosed with neuroblastoma in 2020 - a rare, aggressive and complex cancer, most commonly affecting children under five.

The Seb Factor will raise money for Sebastian's Support Service which is run by Youth Works Northamptonshire to help young people experiencing life-long illnesses or palliative care.

"A diagnosis for a child, on average, costs a family an extra £700 a month, and that money needs to come from somewhere," Mr Nunney said.

He said the service would offer support for children and young people as well as provide emotional support for relatives.

The show will feature 15 young local acts and is in memory of six-year-old Sebastian Nunney who passed away last year

The Seb Factor will see acts competing to win a performance slot at the Christmas Lights Switch-On in Kettering.

There will also be a prize for the contestant who raises the most money.

Mr Nunney said there was a "great selection" of acts.

"There's a six-year-old drummer who is brilliant, we've got dance acts and Mae Stephens — the Kettering singer who's had a top 20 hit."

He added he was "overwhelmed with the success" of last year's event which raised more than £5,000.

The Seb Factor is at 14:00 GMT.

Mr Nunney said the event would not clash with this Saturday's local Bonfire Night events.

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