Art in the Aisles

Ballroom dancing in the aisles of Nelson Cathedral is a new addition to this year's Arts Festival Service on Sunday October 15th. In its eighth year the evening service (6pm) has won a place at the heart of the festival, with the cathedral filled each year by people gathering to celebrate the arts.

Cathedral Priest Assistant Yvonne McLean says the service is a mix of the best traditions of the Anglican Church and some original Nelson elements.

"We are pleased to host this service and to be identified with the Nelson Arts Festival," she said. "We love the whole idea of celebrating the varied gifts and talents of the people in our Nelson community. God has certainly blessed our region with abundant gifts of creativity."

This service has developed its own tradition and begins with a parade of models in garments from the Montana Wearable Art Awards, moving to the music of the processional hymn. Festival patron Jane Evans and Mayor Paul Matheson will give bible readings and local poet Joan Lees will read ŒToo bright for Tears'. There will be music from the Cathedral Choir, the Belle A Cappella Choir, Irish band Bana Nua, and an address on the Annunciation by Wakefield artist Rose Shepard.

The service is one of the last that Bishop Derek Eaton will attend at the Cathedral before he leaves to work in North Africa later this year.

Art is on show now in the Cathedral by artists from Magenta Creative Space, Community Art Works and Nikau House and this exhibition remains in place throughout the arts festival.

Everyone is welcome to attend the Nelson Arts Festival church service on Sunday October 15 at 6pm.

ENDS

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