Greenbelt Christian arts festival make plans for 20th anniversary

BY POPULAR demand Cliff Richard will celebrate Greenbelt's 20th birthday on mainstage, abandoning his planned low profile acoustic set in the 2500 capacity Big Top. Touring commitments rule out an evening appearance, but the probable disappointment of thousands of excluded fans led him to agree to perform Greenbelt's first ever Sunday afternoon mainstage performance. His appearance, with biographer Steve Turner, will still be relaxed, informal and low key.

Greenbelt '93 will be held at Deene Park, near Corby, Northants and runs from 27th to 30th August. The latest acts to be added to the line-up are new US R&B gospel group Anointed; Chicano-Latino rapper T-Bone; hot new CCM act Pray For Rain; one time Charlie Peacock sideman Vince Ebo; and soul stars Des'ree and Will Downing. Artists already invited include Martyn Joseph, Peter Case, lona and Eden Burning. Monday night will be an all-star benefit for the homelessness charity 'Putting Our House In Order', organisers of the recent 'Gimme Shelter' album. The benefit line-up remains unclear as we go to press, but weekend ticket holders will gain free admission.