Hickman Park in Bilston, Wolverhampton, was filled with the joyful sounds of uplifting gospel music, talented Christian artistes, inspirational speakers, and tasty cultural foods as the inaugural Come-Unity in the Park Festival arrived in the Black Country.
The event, organised by the Wellington Road based New Testament Church of God – Bilston, in association with its district churches, seeks to provide a fun, family-oriented festival with the aim of bringing local communities together to experience the gospel in an engaging and vibrant manner.
Bishop Albert Watson, District Pastor and Event Director, stated, “Ordinarily, we would have held our annual convention indoors, but given the past two years which has seen many people experience great loss, isolation and separation we felt the time was right to organise a new, community-focused event to help us celebrate life, share the gospel and connect with those in our neighbouring areas and across the West Midlands.”
An impressive line-up of speakers, artistes and entertainers is already confirmed and includes Evangelist Andrew Cannon, founder of evangelistic ministries, Gospel Grenades who will share his own captivating personal testimony. At this free event he will also be joined by former professional footballer, Ricky Otto, now Pastor of the ARC Birmingham Church covering an inspirational talk on ‘football to faith’.
Gospel artistes during the day will include Witness, one of the UK’s most prolific Gospel Reggae/Dancehall artists along with Birmingham-born gospel rappers Dee Shy and Alexander Bean. Music on the main stage will be provided by DJ Arthur Ellis (Alpha & Omega Ministries).
The Black Country Community Gospel Choir and District Worship Team will bring a harmonious mix of stunning vocals, whilst Walsall-based Divine will sing many well-known classics to get everyone dancing and on their feet.
In addition to gospel music, Patrick Medley, Christian comedian, will deliver a performance as ‘Bishop Shacklefoot’ and we’ll also hear from a spoken word artist, Ashlee Paris-Jabang. Adding in bouncy castles, inflatable obstacle course, themed photo booth, face painting, food hub and information stalls there will be something to keep the whole family entertained.
