Ahead of Dave Day in June, the fundraising efforts of the organisers have already reached their charity goal.
On Saturday, June 8, thousands of people are expected to come to Barrow in hour of Dave Myers, who called the town his own.
Myers passed away in February this year following a prolonged battle with cancer and, since then, people across the country have been putting their heads together to give him the send off he deserves.
All the Dave Day coverage you need in one place:
- Barrow Dave Day town centre details revealed | The Mail (nwemail.co.uk)
- Dave Myers' wife shares how you can support Barrow Dave Day | The Mail (nwemail.co.uk)
- Dave Myers: Plans for 'Dave Day' ride from London to Barrow revealed | The Mail (nwemail.co.uk)
Spearheaded by Jason Woodcock, Dave Day has been born out of the love that countless fans still hold for the popular TV personality and chef.
Jason - affectionately known as Woody - was asked by Myers' wife Liliana and fellow Hairy Biker Si King to make the event a reality.
Dave's wife Liliana has been a strong supporter of the event (Image: Dominic Lipinski/PA)
Following that conversation, Dave Day has grown into what could easily be the biggest event in Barrow's history.
Added to the thousands of visitors coming to the Furness peninsula, £10,000 has already been raised as part of the event, meaning the original goal has been met with a month still to go.
The money donated will be going to two charities, NSPCC Childline and The Institute for Cancer Research, which were chosen in Myers' honour.
The main draw for Dave Day is set to be a tribute concert held at Barrow Raiders' Northern Competitions Stadium.
Further Dave Day concert reading:
- Dave Myers: Barrow Dave Day tribute concert tickets on sale | The Mail (nwemail.co.uk)
- Barrow Dave Day concert tickets selling fast | The Mail (nwemail.co.uk)
- Barrow Raiders need volunteers for concert | The Mail (nwemail.co.uk)
Lancaster-based band Massive Wagons will be the headline act on a night that is predicted to see 5,000 people cram into the venue.
Away from this, other sports clubs have already pledged to get involved, including Barrow AFC, who cancelled a competing event on June 8 to ensure the focus was firmly on Myers for the weekend.
Askam Rugby Club, meanwhile, will be opening the doors to their ground to provide accommodation for the numerous visitors supporting Dave Day.
The efforts of such spots is a direct result of the local hospitality industry being overwhelmed by the large influx of tourists.
Dave Day hotel news:
- Barrow hotels to get big boost from Dave Day | The Mail (nwemail.co.uk)
- Travelodge responds over Dave Day room costs | The Mail (nwemail.co.uk)
- Premier Inn explain Cumbria Dave Day price rise | The Mail (nwemail.co.uk)
Even last month, the majority of hotels in Barrow were reporting to be fully booked ahead of Dave Day.
And popular chains, such as Travelodge and Premier Inn, came under fire following the sharp increase in room costs over that particular weekend.
The Hairy Bikers' last collaborative cook book was released last month and is one way you can support Dave Day (Image: BBC England)
Whilst Dave Day will culminate in the concert at night, the day is also going to be used for a series of celebratory events.
Performances in Barrow's town centre will commence at 4:00pm to coincide with the arrival of the motorbike procession from London.
A number of local businesses have been getting in the spirit of the occasion, with one shop creating Dave Day scarves that will be used to further boost the fundraising total.
How businesses are getting involved in Dave Day:
- Barrow business creates charity tribute scarves | The Mail (nwemail.co.uk)
- Dalton pub to give Dave Day visitors free food | The Mail (nwemail.co.uk)
- Hairy Bikers: Expressions to hold its own Dave Day for Dave Myers | The Mail (nwemail.co.uk)
Whilst a number of pubs have pledged to give out free food and drink to the weary bike riders when they eventually reach the area.
There does not look to be any end in sight for the GoFundMe page - £10,000 may be in the bank, but an online shop is still running to sell Dave Day merchandise.
And, on the day itself, the money brought in will also have charitable destinations, giving people more of a reason to get involved, as well as celebrating the life of one of Barrow's most loved sons.
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