Paella for 1,500 when TV’s “Songs of Praise” hits the Costa

Congregation members from a number of Anglican churches in Spain and Gibraltar shared a special recording of BBC Television’s “Songs of Paise” this weekend (3rd May 2008) in the ground of a castle in Fuengirola near Malaga

Local churches from the chaplaincies of Costa Del Sol East and West were joined by people from Almunecar and Nerja and from as far afield as Madrid and Gibraltar for the recording, hosted by Aled Jones. The musical accompaniment was provided by singer/songwriter Graham Kendrick and his band. The hymns included Kendrick’s most famous “Shine Jesus Shine” as well as old favourites such as The Old Rugged Cross, Blessed Assurance and When the Saints Go marching In.

Other filming featuring church life has also been going on, using local Spanish technicians alongside the regular BBC teams. Enough material has been gathered for two editions of the programme in June and October this year.

After Saturday’s recording in perfect Mediterranean sunshine a huge paella meal was provided for the 1,500 singers before they were treated to a free concert by Graham Kendrick and special guest Yazz.

The Venerable David Sutch, Archdeacon of Gibraltar and Chaplain on the Costa del Sol said “It was a wonderful experience and the finished programme will reflect ministry in one of the Church of England’s fastest growing dioceses. The free concert gave us a chance to share the joy and message of our faith and proclaim our presence here.”

Other Christian churches catering for English speaking people in that part of Spain also shared the event.

For more information, please contact Revd. Paul Needle, Diocesan Communications Officer
paulneedle@aol.com
T: 0034 662 482 944

Pictures:

The recording session

Aled Jones the presenter autographing a hymn sheet for some young participants.