Church is told ‘you’ll never walk alone’ in fight for funds

But one West Yorkshire church is taking a different approach thanks to the generosity of legendary musician Gerry Marsden, famous front man of Gerry and the Pacemakers.

The 70-year-old Liverpudlian is hosting a music night at St Michael’s Church at Emley, near Huddersfield, whose parishioners are raising money to restore the belltower.

Emley villager Guy Loveridge is organising the event, having been a friend of Gerry’s ever since they met at a motorsport event in China a decade ago.

Mr Loveridge said: “When I heard the church needed help I thought what better way to raise money than to try to get him to come and play in Emley.

“After talking to some friends we decided it would be good to turn it into a small music festival.

“I started chatting to him and his manager and he agreed to do his own acoustic set.”

The fundraiser has now developed into a weekend-long event, starting on Friday June 21 with a musical workshop for children followed by folk singers Lorelei Loveridge, a cousin of Guy’s from America, and Zoe Mulford, from Manchester.

On the Saturday there will be an acoustic guitar performance by Gerry Marsden. He is expected to play some early skiffle numbers, Beatles songs and his own hits.

St Michael’s vicar, Reverend John Marsh, said: “This festival is brilliant – we’re a Grade I listed building and we’re hoping it will be great for fundraising.”

Tickets can be bought from Guy Loveridge on 01924 848418 or email: stmichaelsmusic@yahoo.co.uk.