Inspiring hope through competitions, workshops and performances, GOSPEL23 is this year’s theme for the Christian Arts Festival. Everyone, of all ages, including those of different faiths, are invited to be inspired by artists, poets, musicians, drama etc.
“This festival is the opportunity to explore fresh perspectives and questions, and be open to unexpected discovery. Through the lens of ‘GOSPEL’ inspired music, visual arts, literature or drama, shared through extraordinary creative gifts, you can enter into the mystery for yourself.” The Rt Revd Rachel Treweek, Bishop of Gloucester – Patron
The Literature Day at Pip and Jim’s Church on Saturday 22 April draws together 10 much-loved contemporary Christian authors. There is something for everyone, from the tiniest toddler through to the most mature bibliophile. The line-up includes Gemma Hunt (CBeebies), the Rt Revd Rachel Treweek (Bishop of Gloucester), Richard O’ Neill (story-teller and wood-whittler), the Rt Revd John Pritchard, the Revd Dr Samuel Wells, Sharon Garlough Brown, Sarah Meyrick, Phil Clarke, Tola Doll Fisher and Lynn Robertson Hay.
On Sunday 23 April, a day of events at Cheltenham Town Hall will be brought to a rousing finale at 7.30pm by EAGA Gospel Choir, The BBC Songs of Praise Gospel Choir of the Year 2023, as they celebrate the gospel in music and worship.
Gareth Malone was overwhelmed by ‘their massive choral sound and thanked them for the passion they bring … wonderful.’’
“The power that comes out of these vocalists is insane … the atmosphere they create is electric … magical.’ Mica Paris.
Festival diary
5 – 11 April – The Garden’s Gallery, Cheltenham, GOSPEL Art Exhibition
22 April – Literature Day, Pip & Jim’s Cheltenham (ticketsource.co.uk/christianartsfestival)
23 April – GOSPEL Events, Cheltenham Town Hall (tickets: cheltenhamtownhall.org.uk)
- Dr Mark Vernon Dante’s Divine Comedy
- Workshops: Gospel Singing, Spoken Word/Performance, Mixed Media Journaling,
- Christian Meditation
- The Liberator, Saltmine Theatre Company
- EAGA Gospel Choir Finale Concert, 7.30pm, Winners BBC Gospel Choir 2023
For more details, visit: christianartsfestival.org