'elvis' Concert Rocks Truro Cathedral

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Brian (y)


PACKED CATHEDRAL ROCKED TO RAFTERS BY ELVIS CONCERT
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09:00 - 22 August 2007

They said it couldn't be repeated and that not as many people would go this year. They said it wouldn't be as good as last year - but they were all wrong.This is the verdict at Truro Cathedral where a 900 capacity crowd was welcomed on Sunday to a second, special service featuring the gospel songs of Elvis Presley. Hundreds of people had to be turned away because the cathedral was full with the result that next year's Elvis service has already been booked in.

Sunday's event, which was similar to last summer's popular service, was interspersed with the thoughts and prayers of Canon Perran Gay, head of worship.

The 90-minute service which starred Johnny Cowling as Elvis attracted people from all over Cornwall as well as visitors from further afield.



Canon Gay said: "After last year's extraordinary success, we weren't sure how many would come again this year. We needn't have worried, we were full to capacity and even had 400 people waiting for tickets. Johnny did a superb job.

"He has such a rapport with the people in the congregation. We know that there were many there who are not regular churchgoers and yet 900 took part in an act of worship that they'll long remember. That has to be a good thing."

Johnny had the congregation standing, clapping and singing along to such classics as Amazing Grace, Peace in the Valley and You'll Never Walk Alone.

His warmth and humour, together with a remarkable and gifted voice left the congregation shouting for more.

Colin Reid, the cathedral's communication officer, said, "With so many people disappointed at not being able to come to this year's service we are definitely going to have another service next year (August 31, 2008) with the distinct possibility that we may have to add a second if demand warrants it."

* Free tickets for next year's service can be obtained by sending a SAE to Elvis 2008, The Cathedral Office, 14 St Mary's Street, Truro, TR1 2AF.