Rock star Rick lines up churches music event
 Rock star Rick Wakeman and south Norfolk vicar Rev Trevor Riess have teamed up again to arrange a festival of music, acting and comedy from May 7 – 12.
The star-studded line-up includes Don Maclean, Ian Lavender, Richard Digance, Gordon Giltrap, Paul Field, Nicholas Parsons, juggler Steve Rawlings and magician John Lenahan who was the first person in 85 years to be expelled from the Magic Circle
As new neighbours, Rick and his local vicar got to know each other better over a cup of tea. The result was a week long festival of music and comedy in 2006 which saw stars from stage and screen appearing in the four ancient village churches of Scole, Brockdish, Thorpe Abbots and Billingford.
Trevor Riess said: “Things went so well last year that we couldn’t resist putting on even more acts for 2007. Rick has helped us put together a fantastic programme and it is wonderful to see our lovely old churches being used in such an enterprising way. Its a great opportunity for us to show both the local and the wider community that as well as centres for Christian worship and fellowship, churches can provide great venues for a whole host of different arts and community events’.
Plans for this years activities are now well advanced with stars such as Don MacLean (one of Britain’s best loved comedians and coming back to Scole by popular demand), Ian Lavender (the film and television actor best known for his role as Private Frank Pike in the BBC comedy series Dad's Army) and Richard Digance (an evergreen performer and writer who sings, writes songs, and plays the guitar) all due to appear with Rick during the week.
Other artists appearing include Gordon Giltrap who is one of the UK's most respected guitarists. Paul Field, whose songs have been recorded by many artists around the world, will also be coming back to the festival following his stunning musical performance last year
As well as music and readings, this year’s programme includes Steve Rawlings the juggler extraordinaire who will appeal to people of all ages with his unique blend of comedy character and technical ability. He will be joined by John Lenahan who grabbed the headlines as the first person in 85 years to be expelled from the Magic Circle. 2004 saw him starring in a new primetime BBC1 show, Secrets of Magic and his own BBC2 series, Stuff the White Rabbit, achieved record ratings for the slot. A special one off performance of the BBC Radio 4’s hit comedy ‘Just a Minute’ starring the ‘quiz master’ Nicholas Parsons is also planned.
Rick Wakeman said: “I’m delighted to be part of the 4 Churches Festival again and am really enjoying working with Trevor and the rest of organising team. Performing in these ancient churches is a real pleasure and the audience benefits from the excellent acoustics and the unique atmosphere that these lovely buildings create.
As well as the artists appearing during the week some of the churches will be used to display exhibitions.
Tickets for the event will be available from March 17 priced £5 to £12.50. they can be obtained from Scole Stores and Post Office or by calling 01379 668875/07810 032025. or email fourchurches@btinternet.com
Programme for the Four Churches Festival 2007
The second Four Churches Festival will take place between 7th and 12th May, with performances held at Scole and Brockdish Churches, and exhibitions and workshops at Billingford and Thorpe Abbots.
As well as the main performers, Rick Wakeman will perform a set every night
Don Maclean with Paul Field ‘Songs and laughter’
Monday 7th May – St Andrews Church Scole
Gordon Giltrap – ‘Guitarman’
Tuesday 8th May – Scole
John Lenahan and Steve Rawlings – ‘Juggling extraordinaire and magic subversive’
The night for all the family -Wednesday 9th May – Scole
Just a Minute with Nicholas Parsons and special guests
Thursday 10th May – Saint Peter and Saint Paul Brockdish
An Evening with Ian Lavender – readings, comedy and anecdotes
Friday 11th May - Brockdish
Rick Wakeman with Richard Digance (and possibly other ‘friends’!!)
Saturday 12th May – Brockdish – 2 performances
Pictured above are Rick Wakeman and Rev Trevor Riess outside Scole church.
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