I hope this finds you keeping well.  I’m sure many of you, along with many across our nation and commonwealth, continue to mourn with thanksgiving the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. We thank God for Her Majesty’s 70 years of service to the UK and the Commonwealth, for her unwavering leadership and her deep Christian faith. We join the rest of the nation and the world in remembering her with gratitude to God and pray for our new King, Charles III, as he accedes to the throne.

PRAYERS ON THE DEATH OF HER MAJESTY QUEEN ELIZABETH II There’s no doubt today is one of the saddest days in the life of our Nation and Commonwealth, as we mourn the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. All of our thoughts and prayers are with the Royal Family at this time.

This is a much shorter post than usual, however, a few of you have been asking about upcoming events so I thought I’d let you know what is currently planned here in Billericay.

LIVE AT EMMANUEL: RICKY ROSS It goes without saying that I’m beyond excited that Ricky (or BilleRicky 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 his UK tour. Reviews on the tour. Which started this week, have been amazing. There are about 20 plus tickets left.

HOUSE GIG: KEITH JAMES I’m delighted to have been able to arrange for folk legend Keith James to play, once again, at Billericay Rectory on Friday 21 October 2022.  Keith will play an evening of Yusuf-Cat Steven’s songs. This is an amazing opportunity to experience this finely tuned artist perform a masterclass of sublimely beautiful, timeless and insightful music. We will have a reduced number attending this house gig and there are a handful of tickets available.

THE PANTALOONS: GREAT EXPECTATIONS  The marvellous, madcap and crazily inventive Pantaloons Theatre Company are always good value, and they return to Billericay, after a storming ‘War Of The Worlds’ in the summer, to perform their own twist on Charles Dickens’ masterpiece ‘Great Expectations’ in Emmanuel Church, Billericay on Sunday 30 October 2022. One not to be missed!

GRAHAM KENDRICK We have Graham and his band returning to play at Emmanuel on Sunday 11 December. More details here Live at Emmanuel: An evening with Graham Kendrick Over 60% of tickets have been sold as – so be sure to book your ticket soon.

LIVE AT EMMANUEL: BILLY MITCHELL AND BOB FOX After a hugely well received sell out gig at Emmanuel in April 2022 with The Lindisfarne Story: 50 Years Of Fog Billy returns on Friday 31 March 2023 with long-time collaborator Bob Fox.

WHO AM I LISTENING TO AT THE MOMENT?

Madeleine Edwards
Alex Hart
Walker Montgomery
Frankie Ballard
Seth Lakeman
Ricky Ross
Hannah White
Keith Urban
Marcus King
Jenny Colquitt
HAIM
The Clubs
Jeremy Johnson
Charles Wesley Godwin
Zac Brown Band
Morgan Wade

Do continue to your favourite artists if you can by going to see them live or buying / downloading their music – it is a lifeline for them as they continue to struggle after COVID.

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.

Don’t forget I’m always happy to catch up for a coffee / beer / curry!

Be safe and be blessed