Hickman Park in Bilston, Wolverhampton, will be filled with the uplifting sounds of gospel music, local Christian artistes, inspirational speakers, and tasty cultural foods as the Come-Unity in the Park Christian Festival returns to the Black Country on Sunday 16th July 2023, 1pm – 8pm. The event, organised by the local churches that represent the New Testament Church of God Bilston District, seeks to deliver a fun, family-oriented Christian Festival with the aim of bringing local communities together to experience the gospel in a new and engaging way.
Bishop Albert Watson, NTCG Bilston District Pastor and Festival Director, stated, “Last year’s event proved a major success, attracting over 1500 people, from a range of faiths and nationalities. As the Festival name suggests, our aim is to inspire unity within our communities and demonstrate how the church is evolving to meet people’s needs. Many enquired as to when the next event would take place, so it was only fitting we returned for a further year. This year’s event promises to be better.”
An impressive line-up of speakers, artistes and entertainers includes Philippa Hanna, British Singer-Songwriter, author and worship leader, Singing D (Gospel Reggae), Shevvy (Gospel Rapper), and The Generation Choir, led by the highly acclaimed, Walsall-based Gospel singer-songwriter Dalton Kerr. Continuing the home-grown theme, we are pleased to welcome Vie Watson, The McGregor’s, Dior Williams, Smile Community Choir and the Bilston-based Unitee Church, who brought last year’s event to a rousing conclusion. Our stage programme will also feature performances by Wolverhampton-based Gazebo Theatre and Heart of Oldbury Dance Academy.
With representatives from the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association also welcomed to appear, to talk about their evangelism and outreach-focused activities and Compassion UK and share their aspirations of bringing hope and lasting change to children living in poverty. Attendees welcomed the chance of getting their bikes repaired for free, at last year’s event, so Samuel Henry, Founder of No Limits to Health CIC, will be back with the Dr Bike team and cycling related activities.
Adding the usual blend of festival favourites including bouncy castle and face painting, food hub and stall holders, there will be something to keep the whole family entertained.
Grateful to event sponsor, RAFFA, the international development agency, who will provide health and wellbeing support alongside the Bilston Community Health Hub, in addition to the mentioned activities, there will be a celebratory element to this year’s event as acknowledge 70 years of the New Testament Church of God in England and Wales, started by the late Dr Oliver Lyseight in Wolverhampton during 1953. We will also commemorate the 75th Anniversary of the arrival of HMT Empire Windrush in the UK.
The event is free to attend, and we are encouraging everyone to book their tickets through Eventbrite, by searching for ‘Come-Unity in the Park Christian Festival 2023’ or visiting: https://www.38d4a183a2451432f972778eabadb898-gdprlock/e/come-unity-in-the-park-christian-festival-2023-registration-602791635007
