A day in the life of a Gospel Fest organiser

He has been on a career break but will return in September. During his career break he has been recording and producing music and as part of that he is involved in running this year’s Gospel Fest which runs from August 14 - 17. Gospel Fest has now become one of the largest Christian music events of its kind in the British Isles.

The last twelve months have been a real learning curve for me as well as being very exciting and rewarding. I believe I will be returning to school in September with enhanced skills, enthusiasm and a new sense of perspective.

Over the past year I have felt very privileged to have had the opportunity to work with some brilliant musicians, produce albums, sing in America, Europe as well as throughout the British Isles and meet some wonderful people along the way.

Gospel Fest is one of the last large projects I am involved in before I return to Brownlee. Although the main organiser of Gospel Fest is my good friend Roy Dreaning, I have been able to give more of my time this year to help him bring it all together.

I have two main roles in the organisation of Gospel Fest; first of all I look after all the online publicity and local press which includes social media, websites, newspapers, radio and TV.

This starts around Christmas time and slowly builds up to the Gospel Fest weekend.

Through my work in school and Gospel music, I have many connections in the press and I suppose that is why I got the job of publicising Gospel Fest.

My second role is to liaise with all the artists taking part in Gospel Fest and ensure that they know when they are needed for sound-checks, what their technical requirements are and how all the concerts will run throughout the weekend.

I also play in the band Live Issue which is always the host group for the Gospel Fest weekend and will be performing at most of the concerts.

My work in Gospel music whether it be performing, touring, recording, producing or organising events such as Gospel Fest obviously takes up a lot of my time, especially when I have the responsibility of running a busy primary school.

My wife Joy and my children Sarah and Daniel are very supportive of all I do and I appreciate the sacrifices they make especially when I am spending long hours in the studio or away on tour.