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Local events shake Easter apathy Easter Clockwise from right: Guvna B; the
party spirit in the impromptu conga;
the Pestalozzi choir performing;
message praise the Lord! Photos: Lizzie May

in today’s especially when their leader began dancing with

the crowd.
music Children’s Village who sang two beautiful
They were followed by the choir of Pestalozzi

songs.
One of the three trustees said, ‘The aim was
The Hastings Easter Festival is a to bring the community together to celebrate
musical and art event to celebrate the wonder of the death and resurrection of
Easter and to share its meaning and Jesus, and the eternal hope that the message
significance. It was held this year at of Easter brings … opening the door for us
The Stade throughout the afternoon to know a personal relationship with God …
and evening of Easter Saturday. complete forgiveness and freedom for all who
It was created by three trustees with different receive him.’
church connections – Steve Waller, Eddie A free exhibition of art inspired by faith ran in
Rose and Mike Scarlett – but they drew in the Stade hall during the festival and on Easter
about 20 others as volunteers to cover every Monday. Some artists who sold their work gave
Church involvement aspect of organising the event. the money to a charity of their choice.
There was Anglican and Roman Catholic church Funding from Hastings Youth Trust and
co-operation in the production. The action local church gifts enabled it be a free event.
began from St Clement’s and went on to St Top of the bill was gospel rap artist and
Mary Star-of-the-Sea. There the incident was composer Guvna B. He won Best Gospel Act
re-enacted of Roman soldiers throwing dice for seven times in three different annual awards
Jesus’s robe. between 2009 and 2016.
Continuing on to All Saints, the climax came His was the first UK rap album to top
with the ‘crucifixion’ at the church entrance. the Christian & Gospel awards. His book
When the body was taken down it was placed Unpopular Culture is published by SPCK.
on a stretcher and carried inside. Christian reggae artist Ram 1 from
The spectators were very moved and some Nottingham had recently had his first album
were in tears. Time was allowed at the end of out, 1 Way, 1 Truth, 1 Life. Two rappers
the re-enactment for personal meditation and from London, Interpaul and Feed’em, gave
prayer. a joint set.
For many years the event was produced and
directed by Nicky Harris, but when she died Leader danced
Heather Leach took over and credit must go to The event was opened by Echo (Extending
her and all the other volunteers who took part Christ’s Heart to Others), an energetic soul
this year. band who gained an enthusiastic response,

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