Rick Wakeman to play in church to raise money for stray dogs

The concert will be at Ipswich’s civic church, St Mary Le Tower on Saturday December 23, and the keyboard maestro, composer and renowned raconteur will headline to raise funds for Saving Strays, the all-volunteer UK charity which rescues, rehabilitates and rehomes abandoned and abused dogs.

Rick with Ozzy, one of the dogs which Saving Strays has rescued from Bosnia, at Guildford Cathedral, which hosted a similar fund-raiser (Image: Supplied)

The evening of music and fun will see Rick playing old favourites from his own repertoire and those of other artists, plus seasonal tunes, all adapted for piano and keyboards and interspersed with hilarious anecdotes and stories that tickle his sense of humour.

Rick, who along with his wife Rachel has adopted Saving Strays’ rescue dogs, says: “Dogs have so much love to give and it upsets me that humans are not always reciprocal.

"If you let a dog into your life, then from first hand experience, I can guarantee that you will have a very special life.”

The bill for the evening will also include:

* Musical comedy trio Triple Cream

* Singer-songwriter Mim Grey

* St Mary Le Tower chorister Matthew Jones

* Peter Egan, screen star of Downton Abbey and Unforgotten, and Co-Chair of Saving Strays

Peter Egan is also on the bill (Image: Newsquest)

Co-Chair Maria Slough said:  “To be able to host this concert with Rick and Peter and everyone who is taking part is such an incredible way to close out the year. We will raise the roof for the dogs in need and it will be an experience to remember for everyone.”

For tickets visit https://buytickets.at/savingstrays/984036

Ticket prices: Standard £25-40. Meet & Greet and Premium Ticket £60.

All tickets include a souvenir programme.

Doors open: 6.15pm (for Meet & Greet Ticket holders), 6.50pm (for Standard Ticket holders), Showtime: 7.30pm