Three Cheers for Christmas!

The Riding Lights Theatre Company were back in Wisbech on Friday with their 'Three Cheers for Christmas' play that was performed in the Queen Mary Centre. It explored the story of Christmas from three different perspectives: a shy shepherd; a wise man and an angel. It was full of bad jokes and fun, yet also presented the story of the birth of Jesus in an original and meaningful way.

There were two performances. On Friday afternoon the play was watched by over 400 primary school children from around Wisbech. Upon leaving they were given a Christmas gift from The King's Church Wisbech of the Bible Society's Christmas book ' The Well Good News of Christmas' in conjunction with Wisbech Reads. Friday evening saw an audience of about 100 people, a good mix of children and adults who also enjoyed the performance.

The event was sponsored by the Ferry Project and The King's Church Wisbech.

The Well Good News of Christmas

Watch the video that tells the story of Christmas. We will be giving away over 400 books to Wisbech school children that tell this story as part of Wisbech Reads. We will also be giving these to children who come to December's Messy Church.

Enjoy the video - Merry Christmas!

Wisbech Buskers to play After Hours Live

Contrary to a previously advertised date, After Hours Live will now be taking place on Friday 21st October we welcome The Wisbech Buskers to the After Hours Live stage. The Wisbech Buskers are Jacob Keet (violin), Clive Butcher (accordian) and Alan Vibes (Cello). Having met in the Fenland town of Wisbech, they discovered their passion for acoustic folk music. They formed as a group for a special concert that Jacob had organised and people were so impressed that they were booked for an After Hours Live session of their own! Come along to hear some great folk and classical music tinged with fun and frolicks and a twist of faith. 

After Hours Live takes place in Octavia’s Café, that is operated by The Ferry Project. This means every cup of tea, every mug of coffee, every slice of delicious cake purchased goes to the charity, helping those who are homeless in our community. Find out more about their work here http://www.ferryproject.org.uk/

Entry is free and the music starts at 7:30pm (doors open 7pm).

Find out more about After Hours Live here: www.afterhourslive.org.uk 

Messy Fun at Rose Fair

Messy Church set up outside the Queen Mary Centre during the big Saturday Rose Fair event last week. A craft gazebo and bouncy castle were on offer as well as a puppet show. Despite the torrential showers that most managed to dodge, the event was a success and saw many new connections made with many good conversations about Messy Church. The puppet show was a huge success, performing to an audience of about 60 people who were all quite receptive to the gospel message and Bible stories and sings being performed.

Thank you to everyone who helped in any way. If we met you for the first time at the Rose Fair - we hoe you had fun and we look forward to seeing you at Messy Church in September.

Soothing Sounds at After Hours

After Hours Live was pleased to welcome Salt of the Sound on their Cambridgeshire leg of their UK Tour on Friday. From Sweden, Salt of the Sound are husband and wife duo Anita and Ben Tantlow. Their music is relaxing and meditative, reminiscent of the 90s group Enya. Playing mainly original material, the soothing sounds soon wove their magic through the ears of the audience. Near the end of their second set, a thunderstorm broke outside and rivers of water cascaded down the sides of the glass cube, providing a very fitting background to the music. If you were unable to come, do check them out www.saltofthesound.com 

Don't Miss Salt of the Sound at After Hours!

Friday 1st July sees our After Hours Live 'Rose Fair Special' featuring the brilliant Salt Of The Sound.

Salt Of The Sound is the award-winning musical collaboration of husband and wife duo Anita and Ben Tatlow. Their aim is to create songs that encourage spiritual reflection both in church environments and in times of personal quiet, while also exploring musical styles and expressions that bring a freshness to the Christian music scene. Songs by Salt Of The Sound have been widely featured on BBC radio and Swedish national TV - and in May 2015, the duo were awarded the "Best Music" accolade at The Attic Film Festival.

www.saltofthesound.com

Friday 1st July
Octavia's Cafe

Octavia View, South Brink

19:30

Free entry

www,afterhourslive.org.uk 

Messy Fun at Messy Church!

This was our sixth messy church and the theme for this month was not to worry for God takes care of us. Everyone who came enjoyed the activities especially making hats and garments from junk .Some had fun making a bird feeder mixing lard ,cheese,bird seed and raisins together. Another activity was making a grass head,filling a pop sock with some grass seed and then sawdust to take home and water and watch the grass grow to make hair,after an hour of activities we all came together for a short celebration where some of the children had bubble wands and made bubbles Mike spoke about how as the bubbles fly away we can give God our worries and he will help us,then we all had a meal of hot-dogs coleslaw and then strawberries and shortcake a good time was had by all.

 

Bob and Dave at After Hours Live

After Hours on Friday 10th June featured Bob Bell and after the interval Dave Nurney. Both were solo performers with guitar accompaniment.

Bob performed country style songs often with a touch of humour in the lyrics. He began using a chorus which showed his ability to yodel but also had songs where the audience could join in as well as introducing a song with ‘Western Swing’. Bob is known for his anecdotes and funny one-liners and this continued throughout his performance. He concluded with two gospel songs ‘I’ve found a friend in Jesus’ and ‘Icome to the garden alone’.

Dave introduced his set explaining his choice of songs were an invitation to reflect on the various experiences most people have to face, love, loss, hope. He demonstrated his ability in playing and singing in a variety of styles, linking the songs with sometimes humorous or thought provoking comments. His repertoire included ‘If you were me’; ‘The water is wide’; Borderline’ and ended with a song that was personal tohim and his family.

A fine evening of entertainment with a twist of faith enjoyed by many.

Matt McChlery at After Hours Live

Matt McChlery entertained a home audience at After Hours Live at the start of March. Playing an acoustic set of covers by the likes of the Foo Fighters, Adele and Snow Patrol as well as a few original numbers too. Thank you to all who came.

Next month we welcome Bean Baker to the After Hours Live stage. This will be Bean's second time with us and if his first appearance was anything to go by, this is going to be a night to remember, so do come along to Octavia's Cafe on Friday 8 April.

Messy February

At Messy Church yesterday we explored the meaning and significance of The Last Supper. We painted our own place mats (picture above), squished our own grape juice, created and decorated our own goblets and constructed a huge wooden door frame which was used as part of the teaching during the Celebration.

Our messy volunteers did a fantastic job once again! We had a total of 20 people (including volunteers).

Our next Messy Church is on 19th March 2016 where we will be learning all about Easter! It is going to be a lot of fun for the whole family - and of course its going to be MESSY! You are very welsome to join us. Find our more at www.messywisbech.org.uk 

Libby Redman Plays After Hours Live

Last night saw the first After Hours Live of 2016. Sizeable numbers turned out to listen to the talented Libby Redman with her smooth, soothing soulful music. Singing a mixture of well known songs such as 'Lovely Day' and 'Lean on Me' as well as some original material. Her song 'One Brick At A Time' had the audience joining in and singing along. Thank you Libby for travelling down from York to be with us.

The re-vamped After Hours Live website is now live. Please visit it to see what is happening this year, grab the dates of the events as well as see who is playing.

Next month, we have our very own Matt McChlery take to the After Hours stage as part of what is turning out to be a mini cafe outreach tour! Wisbech is the second stop after playing at Sunday Night Live in Towcester and then in May Matt is playing in Costa Coffee in Wigston, Leciester at another Sunday Night Live event. Friday 4 March is going to be a great night out filled with great acoustic versions of some favourites by the Foo Fighters, Snow Patrol, Elvis Presley and more.

Libby Redman playing After Hours Live in February

After Hours Live is back on Friday 5th February with the immensely talented Soul and Gospel singer Libby Redman. Libby will be travelling down from Liverpool to be with us at After Hours Live in February. Growing up with a love for music and wearing out toy microphones, Libby first performed one of her own gospel songs on stage at the age of 11. Writing music and lyrics is as natural to her as singing.

Described on Premier Gospel as ‘a gospel singing sensation’, her voice is powerful and emotionally stirring as it spills out from her core, powerfully articulating a range of life experiences that express faith, hope and love.

Libby produced her soulful new album, SO GOOD, which was released in November 2015. Recently nominated by Pure M Awards as Best UK Act whilst touring the UK & Europe, Libby continues to develop her distinctive sound.

More about After Hours Live

After Hours Live is a monthly event that takes place on the first Friday of every month in Wisbech, the heart of the Fens. Hosted by The King's Church, it combines first-class entertainment (that ranges from musicians and comedians to poetry reading and magicians) with a twist of faith. Performers come from far and wide across the UK, as well as some great home-grown local talent.

Starting at 7;30pm,Octavia’s cafe swings into action brewing up steaming cups of tea and luscious cappuccinos and lattes. Free entry means that you can come and enjoy the comfortable cafe atmosphere and still be able to afford a cup of your favorite beverage and maybe even treat yourself to an indulgent slice of cake! Some performers may also bring CDs they have recorded or books they have written that will also be available on the night.

2016 Line-Up

Other performers at After Hours Live in 2016 include: Chelsea Alice Scott, Bean Baker, Salt of the Sound, Pete McAllen and many more. Please visit the After Hours Live website www.AfterHoursLive.org.uk or ‘Like’ our Facebook Page to be kept up to date with the latest news and events.

Messy Church Launches

Yesterday saw the launch of Messy Church at the Queen Mary Centre, Wisbech hosted by our church (The King's Church, Wisbech). We saw around 30 people attend, both young and old, who all had great fun with the various crafts that were on offer as well as the sporting activity.

This month the theme was 'Past, Present and Future' with an emphasis on the different generations learning from each other and walking the path of faith together.We had a celebration time together were we sung a fun song, learnt about Simeon and Anna in the temple and said a prayer. Then we finished off with a delicious meal of beef pie with vegetables and sponge and custard for dessert!

Our next Messy Church is on Saturday 20th February. Come along and join us!

After Hours Live with Rachel-Yvonne

Rachel-Yvonne, a member of the recent X-Factor group Melody Stone, graced the After Hours Live stage on Friday accompanied by her very able guitarist Phil. She sang a mixture of covers ranging from Whitney Houston to Bob Marley with a bit of Bruno Mars and Rhianna in between. Interlaced between the songs were stories of Rachel's recent X-Factor experiences as well as the journey of her life. Some of the songs were given a special twist where one or two lyrics had been altered to give them the After Hours Live 'twist of faith'. Rachel spoke about her faith in Jesus and how we should be seeking to find our identity in him, not in other things.

A good number of people braved the weather and dodged the fireworks to attend. This After Hours Live was the first time we had teamed-up with another local organisation. This month we joined forces with Wisbech Churches Together in order to raise funds for those caught up in the refugee crisis in Europe. Thanks to the generous giving of the audience we raised a total of £80.60 which will be given to Christian Aid. Thank you to all who gave.

On Friday 4 December we welcome Jon Kendall who will be getting us in the festive mood as well as playing some of his favourite songs. Please visit the After Hours Live website for more information.

Ragtag Misfits at After Hours Live

Helly and Andy, otherwise known as the Ragtag Misfits delighted the After Hours Live audience in the picturesque Octavia's Cafe in Wisbech last night. Expertly weaving their life-story of homelessness and poverty that ended up leading to discovery of faith throughout their set, held the audience entranced. They sang some stunning original songs mixed in with a few covers that all blended seamlessly together in their acoustic / folk style. Having travelled all the way from Liverpool to perform they had to include a Beatles number. With the addition of an harmonica to the drum and guitar their version of 'Love Me Do' was breathtaking.

Having recently completed a tour of every county in the country to raise money and awareness about Foodbanks, After Hours Live did not miss the opportunity to take a collection of food items for our own local Wisbech Foodbank. People were very generous and two crates of food have been donated. Thank you.

After Hours Live takes a break over the summer holidays but we will be back in September with an extremely talented young, local musician, Joel Fitzsimmons - don't miss it!

Matt McChlery to play After Hours Live in January

Friday 9th January 2015 sees our very own Matt McChlery take to the After Hours Live stage at Octavia's Cafe in Wisbech where he will be playing a blend of contemporary songs you may have heard on the radio as well as some of his own original material.

Matt's song "Fingerprints" has recently been awarded a 'Finalist' position in the prestigeous 2014 UK Songwriting Contest. Matt will be singing "Fingerprints" at the event as well as having his latest CD for sale which also includes the song. This will be the fourth time Matt has played at After Hours Live and it is set to be another fantastic event.

Doors open at 7pm with music starting at 7:30pm. Entry is free, but do bring some money so you can enjoy the delicious cakes and teas / coffees.

Bean Baker at After Hours Live

Bean Baker and his bass guitarist Dave fought the Friday evening traffic all the way from Gloucester to be with us at After Hours Live on Friday evening. We are centrainly glad they did as they produced an amazing top-quality performance singing covers such as Ed Sheeran's 'Lego House' and Emily Sande's 'Next To Me'. To prove their musicianship they also covered a jazz number 'Hit The Road Jack' and then played a medley where they combined the popular song 'Everything Is Awesome' from the Lego Movie with One Direction's 'You're Beautiful'. They also played some original compositions including 'Set Me On Fire' as well as 'The Troll And Ogre Hunter' - their CDs sold almost as quickly as the chocolate cake in the interval!

There were also some people who were at After Hours Live for the first time and it was lovely to meet them. We are hoping they will be back next month to see the fantastic Daughters of Davis who will be getting us into the festive spirit.

Don't Miss These Wisbech Rose Fair 2014 Events!

An Evening With Henry Olonga

 

Retired international test cricketer, henry Olonga will be paying a special visit to Wisbech on Friday 4th July 2014 at the Queen Mary Centre. He will be appearing as the 'After Hours Live' special guest and will be telling stories about his cricketing career and life as well as singing some amazing songs with his superb tenor voice. He will also be answering some questions from the audience as well as signing autographs.

 

Octavia's Cafe will be on hand to provide refreshments and delicious cakes. The evening will be relaxed, seated around tables in an informal 'cafe-style' atmosphere. Henry's book and CD will also be on sale at the event.

 

Entry is free, but come early to get a good seat! Doors open at 7pm with the event starting at 7:30pm.

 

Visit the Gift Box in the Market Place

 

Saturday 5th July 2014 is the Wisbech Rose Fair parade day. Come along to Wisbech Market Place and visit our 'Gift Box'. These boxes were used in London during the 2012 Olympic Games and there are also some currently being used at the World Cup in Rio right now!

 

They are sure to draw a crowd and create interest - so don't miss out! The boxes contain a serious message that is well worth thinking about as it impacts our community in Wisbech as well as other Fenland towns.

 

We would love to have a converstaion with you as well as show you how you can help.

The Gift Box will be up in Wisbech Market Place until 4pm on Saturday. First parade starts at 11am.



Alan Vibes Rocking at After Hours Live

 

Friday 7th February saw popular local musician and entertainer, Alan Vibes take to the After Hours Live stage. performing to a packed audience, Alan soon had everyone singing along amd even up on their feet and dancing. Singing covers from Tom Jones, Rod Stewart, The Blues Brothers, Cliff Richard and many, many more Alan delighted the After Hours Live audience.

Octavia's Cafe again played host to the event and were superb hosts. Thanks to all who came. We have an excellent line-up at After Hours Live for 2014 so we do hope to see you again soon.

the month of March (Friday 7th) sees young singer / songwriter Holly Smith from Peterborough coming along to After Hours Live. She is extremely talented and one not to miss! See you there . . .

Poetry Book launched at After Hours Live Open-Mic Night

Fiona Lankfer reading her poems at After Hours Live

January saw After Hours Live get a fabuolus start for 2014 with the ever popular After Hours Poetry Open-Mic night. This saw several poets and lovers of poetry read poems they had either written themselves or just simply love to read (even if written / published by others). The evening had an added bonus in that it was also the launch event of the new After Hours Live: Little Book of Poetry. Local poets who have read at After Hours events in the past contributed to the book which contains 21 poems that cover a variety of themes, and some with a twist of faith.

The book will be available for purchase at the price of £4 at all After Hours Live events this year. Profits go towards the running costs of After Hours Live.

 There is a fantastic line-up of artists for 2014 who will be appearing as apecial guests at After Hours. Among them are Noel & Tricia Richards, Daughters of Davis, Henry Olonga and South African Stand-up Comedian Mark Palmer. Visit the After Hours website for more information or pick up a 2014 'Artist Line Up' card at Octavia's Cafe to keep informed of who is playing/appearing when.