Gospel Feast in cathedral climax

Jun 14 2008 by Vicky Anderson, Liverpool Daily Post

Gospel Feast in cathedral climax

MORE than 600 singers took part in a massive Gospel event at the Anglican Cathedral last night.

Feast of Choirs was the culmination of three years’ work by scores of amateur choirs from across the North West who had been formed for the event.

X Factor contestant Beverley Trotman and Norway’s Stavanger Gospel Choir were among the special guests.

Feast of Choirs set the scene for today’s events running the length of Hope Street for the Festival of Hope, from 12pm to 5pm.

It begins with a pageant from 10.30am, where, departing from Liverpool Anglican Cathedral, church groups wearing costumes will walk the streets and arrive on Hope Street for the start of the event.

All along Hope Street there will be market stalls, food stalls, street entertainers and various stages alive with gospel music from hip hop to jazz.

Muireann Kyeyune, from Liverpool Lighthouse, which has organised the City Sings Gospel festival, which closes with today’s events, said: “We want to lift the city and the community up with our inspiring message of hope through Gospel music.”

With a main stage featuring various international and Gospel acts performing throughout the day, there will also be a second stage on Falkner Street, where Bishop James Jones and the Love and Joy Gospel Choir will lead the United Walk of Hope, from 1.40pm.

A kids zone in the Blackburne House car park will feature face painting, nail art, bracelet making and story telling.

The Rock Bus will be there with computers, Playstations, karaoke and mixing desks.

For older children, the youth zone in Josephine Butler House car park will include a break dancing show, a stage with performances from Gospel artists, DJs and bands, climbing wall, rodeo bull and inflatable games.

Hip Hop to rock artists will play as part of the Space youth concert on the main stage at the Anglican Cathedral at 7pm.

All events are free except for the Hope Inspired concert, at the Metropolitan Cathedral at 7pm, which is £2 on the door and will include some of Gospel’s most celebrated figures and choirs.

vickyanderson