Jazz, rock and art at Leamington church festival

And the small team of volunteers, made up of members and supporters of All Saints’ church, who are organising the event have already secured some prominent performers to take part.

Among them will be the man responsible for directing the music at Princess Diana’s funeral, organist Dr Martin Neary, as well as rock guitarist Steve Walwyn, member of Leamington band Chevy and Dr Feelgood.

There will also be a jazz dinner on the Sunday evening, with food provided by Aubrey Allen, a variety of musical performances of varying genres, art displays and a poetry reading.

Organiser Barbara Gunter, who sings with All Saints’ choir, said: “We wanted to put on an event which was not just church music and we have some really enthusiastic people involved.

“The idea is to raise funds for the church and to raise the profile of the church. We want to gather more people inside the building. It is a very important part of the town’s heritage.”

Due to structural repairs needed at the building, which dates back to 1902, the committee that manages it has recently run into financial difficulties and last year was forced to close the volunteer-run Cafe Within inside the church. Miss Gunter said: “It is a building, but without the people in it, it cannot survive.

“There is a lot of good work that goes on in this church but, unlike with charities, we don’t really talk about it because it’s expected. We are supporting people who are grieving, preparing for marriage and who are at key points of their lives such as baptisms and weddings, as well as people in their daily lives.”

Miss Gunter pointed out that despite its own financial concerns, the church recently raised more than £300 for the Myton Hospices and continues to help run the Nightlight project, which offers late-night drinkers and clubbers a free hot drink, lollipops and chance to chat to someone, every Friday.

She added: “Even if you are not religious, you can appreciate what good work is being done.”

Funds from the festival, which has been organised to coincide and complement the Peace Festival at the Pump Room Gardens, will also go towards the Friends of All Saints Music group, which supports choral groups, music events at the church and summer choir tours to cathedrals across the country.

Although organisers have begun discussions about sponsorship with a number of businesses from the area, they are hoping more will come forward to help.

To find out more, go online and to get involved or become a sponsor of the event, email [email protected]