Bishop Rachel opened the fourth annual Festival of Stars in the gardens of Dalkeith Residential Care Home in Cheltenham, and described the day as ‘brilliant’.
Despite a Met Office storm warning predicting thunder and lightning for the afternoon, the weather held up with only a brief ten-minute shower and some light drizzle.
The festival featured a diverse range of talents, which Rupert Kay, the Chair of Cheltenham Christian Arts Festival described as a “banquet of the arts” where “many were blessed by the creativity and kindness of others.”
Bishop Rachel, who is Patron of the Cheltenham Christian Arts Festival opened the event.
The first act onto the main stage were ‘Out of the Ashes’ – which Rupert described as a sensational Gospel, bluesy, jazzy Christian band.
Then came a dog agility course, with rosettes awarded to participants; Tom, a circus entertainer from Circus Sensible; live painting by Bangladeshi watercolourist, Abdul Nobel; musical performances by The Flukes and The Pop Tarts; an open mic competition; students from Cheltenham Vocal Academy; William and Jonathan from Christ Church youth group, playing guitar and recorder; and performances by singing groups Sing for Supper and The Choir Factor.
The festival also offered a variety of food and craft stalls and activities, like the Lego (R) fire walk (left). The day ended with a performance by Crispin’s Band (from The Music Works).
Rupert said, “A huge, heartfelt thank you goes out to the staff and residents of Dalkeith Residential Care Home, and to the fabulous Mr Moiz Amjad (the proprietor) for generously hosting the Festival of Stars this year.
“For all who attended: we thank you for your support. Your presence added a special touch to the occasion and we hope you had a wonderful time. We are grateful to have shared these memories with you and look forward to many more in the future!
“A final word of appreciation goes out to Nikki Seville – CAF Trustee and Activities Coordinator at the Home, organisational genius and human dynamo – who brought Festival of the Stars 2024 to life. Thank you, Nikki!”
Get a feel for the day in this photo montage video.
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