Gospel Fest to make a welcome return

The festival, which celebrates the best in local Gospel music, has quickly become Ireland’s foremost Gospel music festival and this year has attracted many visitors from throughout Ireland, England and Scotland. The three days of Gospel music will be held under canvas on the Old Bann Road, which is just opposite the Midway Autopoint on the main road between Waringstown and Banbridge.

The Gospel Fest event has been the vision of Roy Dreaning, who is the Lay-Pastor in Queen’s Street Methodist Church in Lurgan. He ran the festival for the first time last year and Gospel Fest actually takes place on his land, next to his home on the Old Bann Road. Roy is also a singer and guitarist with the group Live Issue, which will be appearing throughout the weekend.

Roy explained how Gospel Fest came into existence;

“I have had many wonderful opportunities to travel throughout the UK and America with Live Issue and have played at many Gospel music festivals. I felt it was time to celebrate the wonderful talent and tradition of Gospel music in our own country and hopefully there will be something for everyone’s tastes during the weekend. Our main aim is to glorify Christ and I believe He will honour our efforts and the ministry of each of the artists involved.”

Last year’s Gospel Fest was a huge success with numbers in attendance far exceeding expectations. Roy continues;

“Last year we used a tent which comfortably seated 250 – 300 people. As the weekend isn’t ticketed, we didn’t know how many folk would turn up each evening, however we never expected the response we received. I was amazed when the side flaps of the tent had to be raised and ushers started bringing in summer seats, deck chairs and benches for people to sit on. We ended up with between 400-500 people attending each evening and I am really thankful that the weather was kind to us.”

This year Roy and his co-organiser Sam Armstrong are taking no chances and have ordered a tent with the capability of holding 1000 people. This tent will also be used to host displays for various local charities, artists’ merchandise, and a refreshments stand.

Each night will feature renowned flautist George Rice, who will entertain folk as they arrive each evening prior to the start of the main programme.

Friday 19th August at 7:45pm

Jim Close – A special guest from Scotland with a wonderful voice and a great story to tell.

Live Issue – The local Country / Gospel group who have toured extensively throughout the UK and America and were nominated for a prestigious Dove Award earlier this year. .

The Harvesters – The popular Gospel quartet featuring Downtown presenter, Ronnie Morrison.

Kathryn Mitchell – One of local Gospel music’s best female vocalists.

Saturday 20th August at 3:00pm

A special afternoon concert featuring The North Connaught Community Gospel Choir.

Saturday 20th August at 7:45pm

Nell and Lorraine Hire – Nell Hire is one of Northern Irelands most established and respected Gospel singers.

Kuvara – A tremendous praise choir from East Belfast who just love to sing!

Jim Close

Crawford Bell – Highly talented and respected throughout the music industry, Crawford has worked with many top artists including Daniel O’Donnell and Van Morrison.

Live Issue

Sunday 21st August at 7:45pm

Mary McKee – A renowned Gospel singer who was the lead singer with “The Genesis.”

Jim Close

The Dixie Heasley Band – Stephen Heasley has recently released a new album to fund projects in Uganda.

Amy Roberts – Ex cabaret entertainer and now one of the UK’s most respected female Gospel singers.

Live Issue

Admission is free to all concerts throughout the weekend with a freewill offering taken up each evening towards expenses. Car parking facilities will be located on the Gospel Fest site. For directions and further information please visit www.liveissuemusic.com/gospelfest