I hope these musings find you keeping well. Whilst we managed to exit the COVID pandemic and begin to living with COVID, in the UK at least, we find ourselves faced with a greater threat to our wellbeing – the Russian invasion of Ukraine and the possibility of a European, if not, a Third World War.
I’m sure many of you have been watching the TV and social media in disbelief these past few weeks at all that is taking place in Ukraine. Already we are seeing heart-breaking stories which remind us once again of the destructive nature of war: on communities, families, and nations. These are concerning times for all of us. With that in mind, I’ve put together a page of prayers for Ukraine and World Peace (as well as organising a few prayer events here in Billericay) PRAYERS FOR THE CRISIS IN UKRAINE
Ukraine continues on every media outlet, and they do not make easy bedfellows as life here goes on. However, there is a lot to be said for living in the moment and sadly, or perhaps because of the above, life goes on. And I have several events planned for this year. Do support artists if you can by going to see them live or buying / downloading their music and please support the artists who play in Billericay in 2022 – it is a lifeline for them and helps us to give proceeds to charity.
THE HEROES BAND A Help for Heroes Concert ‘Lazing on a Sunday Afternoon’ presented by The Heroes Band takes place at Emmanuel Church, Billericay (Laindon Road, CM12 9LD) on Sunday 20 March 2022 at 3.00 pm
THE PANTALOONS: GREAT EXPECTATIONS I’m delighted to welcome the marvellous, madcap and crazily inventive Pantaloons Theatre Company back to Billericay to perform their own twist on Charles Dickens’ masterpiece ‘Great Expectations’ in Emmanuel Church, Billericay on Sunday 3 April 2022.
THE LINDISFARNE STORY: 50 YEARS OF FOG! I’ve always been a great fan of Lindisfarne and, even though they are Newcastle boys, I’ll forgive them on this occasion. I pretty much have all of their albums and have seen them several times over the years and how fabulous that I’m able to present two living legends from one of my favourite bands to perform The Lindisfarne Story: 50 Years of Fog! in Billericay on Wednesday 6 April 2022.
GIG IN THE GARDEN 2022 My eleventh annual Gig in the Garden takes place on Sunday 17 July 2022. We have three great artists to enjoy with a mixture of Blues/Rock/Soul/Americana and classic songs as we welcome to Billericay the fabulous Connor Selby and his band, supported by (and back by popular demand) the wonderful Joe Slater and upcoming artist Gen Johnson. It really is an extremely talented line up.
THE PANTALOONS: THE WAR OF THE WORLDS I’m delighted to welcome the marvellous, madcap and crazily inventive Pantaloons Theatre Company back to Billericay to perform their own twist on the H.G. Wells science fiction classic ‘The War of the Worlds’ in the Rectory Garden on Sunday 7 August 2022.
LIVE AT EMMANUEL: RICKY ROSS It goes without saying that I’m beyond excited to be able to announce that Ricky (or BillerRicky as he described himself in November 2017) will once again play in the intimate surroundings of Emmanuel Church, Billericay on Tuesday 11 October 2022 to finish off the tour.
GRAHAM KENDRICK We have Graham and his band returning to play at Emmanuel on Sunday 11 December. More details nearer the time but do mark the date in your diary.
HOUSE GIGS AT BILLERICAY RECTORY I’m hoping to arrange a couple of House Gigs in the not too distant future, I’ve no shortage of artists who want to play, it’s a case of whether people will be comfortable about packing into my lounge as they did pre-COVID. Whatever happens, there’s no doubt that numbers will be lower and ticket prices will be higher!
EMMANUEL CHURCH We are pretty much fully open now and continue to livestream every Sunday at 10.30 am on YouTube.
HOLY WEEK AT EMMANUEL Easter is such a significant celebration in the Christian Church. It will soon be upon us and is well worth making a note in your diary. The fact that Easter 2020 and 2021 took place under lockdown means that being able to worship together, physically, during Holy Week 2022 should be very special to us indeed. May I extend an invitation to join with us here at Emmanuel as we journey through Holy Week: from the: Praise of Palm Sunday; Poignancy of Maundy Thursday; Sorrow of Good Friday; the Fun of Messy Church on Holy Saturday; and the Joy of Celebration on Easter Sunday. We have a wide variety of events taking place – something to suit family members of all ages.
BILLERICAY GAZETTE I was interviewed a few weeks ago about my passion for music promotion and there is a two page spread in this weeks newspaper. The online version is here (with a few more piccies) or you can download the PDF of the spread if you’re interested in reading all about it! Billericay Gazette March 2022
Thank you for helping to keep music (and theatre) live in Billericay. Being an independent promoter isn’t easy nowadays, with more and more venues closing down, I, along the artists who have appeared, really appreciate your support.
Do keep your eyes on my website revpacman.com for other upcoming events alongside some interesting (honestly) articles to read! I’m just over 114,000 hits, which is amazing in just over 4.5 years of setting this up.
Don’t forget I’m always happy to catch up for a coffee / beer / curry!
Contact me on 01277 658055, email paul@revpacman.com or via Twitter or Facebook.
Be safe and be blessed
Paul
revPACman 