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Greenbelt to offer rock, controversy, and circus
BY Ed Beavan
 Revellers JONATHON WATKINS/GREENBELT |
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THOUSANDS of revellers will converge on Cheltenham Racecourse today for the Greenbelt Festival, praying that the summer might put in an appearance over the Bank Holiday weekend along with the performers. About 20,000 people are expected to attend the event, which is now in its 33rd year. It offers a range of arts, literature, music, and talks. The eclectic musical line-up includes rock by Fightstar, folk pop from rising stars Beth Rowley (Features, page 18) and Seth Lakeman, and rap/funk from Michael Franti and Spearhead. A Greenbelt favourite Martyn Joseph will also perform, as will the Barnsley-based poet Ian McMillan and his orchestra. Among the speakers are the American author Philip Yancey, the theologian and filmmaker Dr Robert Beckford, and Douglas Alexander MP, Secretary of State for International Development. The former Children’s Laureate, Michael Morpurgo, is making his first Greenbelt appearance. Rachel Stringer, head of content at the festival, said on Tuesday: “I’m really excited about the author and pastor Brian McLaren, who will be speaking on the subject of the emerging Church. . . Music-wise, the Matthew Herbert Big Band will offer a wonderful fusion of classic big-band orchestra with some interesting experimentations. Look out for copies of the Daily Mail during their performance. “I also think Linda Marlowe’s one-woman show is going to be really strong. It’s a bit controversial, but a wonderful addition, and has had some wonderful reviews.” The Rising Sun venue will host comedians such as Jo Enright and Tony Vino, as well as the poet Jude Simpson. There will also be theatre, dance and circus-skills workshops, classical performances, a Dave Walker exhibition, and a programme tailored for children. As usual, there will be a communion service on Sunday, which this year will take place in the afternoon rather than the morning. At other times, there will be Taizé-style worship, Franciscan prayers, and beer-and-hymns sessions for those who prefer a pint as they sing. |
 Reconstruction: an illustration of Christian Aid’s garden at Greenbelt, which will demonstrate conservation techniques in Burkina Faso CHRISTIAN AID |
 Mix: Russell Price, a charity worker, prepares elephant dung to turn into paper, as part of a CMS fund-raiser at Greenbelt CMS |
| The Church Times is a Greenbelt partner. Full coverage of the festival in next week’s issue.
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