A musician who cycled from Hadrian’s Wall to Italy with his cello is set to share his story.

In the summer of 2022, Kenneth Wilson embarked on an ambitious journey, strapping his cello to his 50-year-old Dawes Galaxy bike and travelling 1,800 miles across Europe.

He performed every day along the route.

Mr Wilson is now set to bring the tale of his adventure to Barningham Village Hall, near Barnard Castle, County Durham, on Friday, October 25.

His performance will include live cello music and will be part of the Highlights Rural Touring Scheme.

Mr Wilson, who has documented his journey in a book and blog, describes his experience as a work in three movements - England, France, and Italy.

(Image: BARNINGHAM VILLAGE HALL)

He said: "It was one of those mad ideas that just pop into your head.

"By the time you’ve told three people, you have to do it, don’t you?

"It was hard work.

"It rained on me every day in England, and, once I was over the Alps and into Italy, it was 40 degrees most days.

"The possibility of failure was ever present, and I was totally exhausted.

"But the music and daily miracles of encounter kept me going.

"I want to call it a pilgrimage."

Along the way, Mr Wilson performed in a variety of settings, including churches, town halls, homes, offices, restaurants, and street corners.

His performances spanned from Canterbury Cathedral to the Leaning Tower of Pisa, and from a silent war cemetery on the Somme to the highest road over the Alps.

He even played on a little bridge over the Marne Canal and in St Peter’s Square in Rome.

At the Barningham Village Hall event, Mr Wilson will talk about his journey, read from his book, and play the cello.

Robin Brooks, a member of Barningham Village Hall Committee, said: "The story of Kenneth’s journey is fascinating and I think we are in for a wonderful evening.

"It will be about travel and music but more than that too - through his encounters with the people he met and the places where he played, he unpacks the real questions of what life is about.

"And he will explain perhaps the most intriguing question of all – how he got a cello on a bike – something he describes as 'total madness – but it almost works'."

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The show starts at 7.30pm, with tickets priced at £12. Telephone 01833-621203 or email rpbrooks72@gmail.com to reserve tickets or book online at  www.highlightsnorth.co.uk.

Attendees are welcome to bring their own drinks.

For further information on the show go to https://kennethwilsoncello.com/highway-cello/