Jimmy’s band drum up support for Cradley’s Summer Spectacular by giving the church congregation a taste of what is to come in June (photography taken 2 May).

Two months before it’s due to take place, a 26 hour musical marathon is now booked full of talent.

The Cradley musical extravaganza, which will begin on Saturday 26 June, will star choirs, bagpipers, jazz musicians and pop singers - and although every half hour slot is now taken there’s still plenty of opportunity for singers - of every standard and age - to sign up and take part.

Cradley’s 13^th century church will be at the centre of the spectacular and Sarah Ashton, the event’s organiser says that support for the marathon has been fantastic. Sarah says: "We have had a tremendous response with musicians from as far away as Henley on Thames and Scotland signing up to take part. I really didn’t expect the whole 26 hours to be booked up this quickly and we now estimate that several hundred people will come together to make music and generally enjoy themselves."

Even though the schedule is full, singers are still needed for a performance of Mozart’s requiem and a sing-a-long ‘Sound of Music’.

Journalists and photographers will be welcome

10am Cradley’s eight Church Bells ring to launch the marathon

Bag piper ‘marching’ through the village throughout the day

1.30pm Bishop’s School, Hereford

2.30pm Cradley’s school choir and orchestra

4.40pm Jimmy’s Band (Orchestra of St.James the Great Church, Cradley)

5.30pm King’s School Orchestra, Worcester

7.00pm Henley Jazz

7.30pm Mozart’s Requiem

10.00pm The Remains Rock Band

11.30pm Sing-a-long ‘Sound of Music’

3.00am The Full Rokirski Jazz/Acoustic band

8.30am Marathon breakfast’ in the church followed by celebratory service

12noon Cradley’s Church Bells sound the end of the event

Sarah Ashton, Event Coordinator, 07968 371 218

2 May 2004 (previous article 6 April 2004)