Letters, emails and texts expressing good wishes and support have been sent from all over Ireland, the UK and America. Gospel Fest organisers have also been surprised and delighted that so many elected representatives, from all political persuasions, have been in contact wishing the event every success and offering their help if required. The festival takes place off the main road between Waringstown and Banbridge from Friday, August 17, to Sunday, August 19. With the Gospel Fest Facebook page now receiving around 1,000 views a week and the Live Issue website also receiving a huge volume of traffic, it is apparent that this celebration of Gospel music has captured both the imagination and the hearts of the whole community across the province. Gospel Fest has been the vision of Roy Dreaning and Sam Armstrong, who are members of the popular Gospel band Live Issue. The event takes place on Roy’s land on the Old Bann Road outside Banbridge and requires months of preparation and organisation from the small Gospel Fest team to bring everything together for the weekend. This year Gospel Fest will be hosted by top Country/Gospel band, Live Issue. One of the highlights of the festival this year will be an afternoon with one of Britain’s best loved comedians and television personalities, Syd Little, who was one half of the Little and Large comedy duo for over three decades. As well Gospel Fest is delighted to have booked Robirohi from Estonia, who are one of Europe’s best Gospel/Bluegrass bands. The line up for each evening and Sunday afternoon is: Friday, August 17, Live Issue, Warren Smyth, Alastair McDonald, The Michael Harcus Band and Janece McCreanor. Saturday, August 18, Alastair McDonald (Compere), The Michael Harcus Band, Karla Gregg, Simple Faith, Live Issue and Robirohi. Sunday, August 19, afternoon, Live Issue, An Afternoon with Syd Little, followed by barbecue. Sunday, August 19, evening, Paul Irwin, Kathryn Mitchell, The Gardiner Family, Alastair McDonald, Live Issue and The Michael Harcus Band Doors will open each evening from 6.45pm and the programme will start at 7.45pm. On Sunday afternoon the doors open at 2.30pm and the programme begins at 3pm. Admission is free to all concerts throughout the weekend with a donation taken up each evening towards expenses. Free car parking facilities will also be located on site. For directions and further information please visit www.liveissuemusic.com/gospelfest or www.facebook.com/gospelfest3
