Richard Coles at church reopening a 'God moment'

Booking Reverend Richard Coles for the first gig at a newly renovated church and arts centre "felt like a God moment", its vicar said.

Coles, a celebrity vicar and former musician with The Communards, was given the honour by Kettering Arts Centre in Northamptonshire, as it was where he was christened and where his parents were married.

He was born in the county and has previously performed at the venue, based in St Andrew's Church. He is appearing there again on Friday.

Reverend Tom Houston, vicar and arts centre manager, said the £427,000 project that included a new stage, electrics and under floor heating, was "going to revolutionise what we can offer to the community".

Work started on the renovation of the 150-year-old building in January and after some delays it was finished on 10 June.

It was due to cost £300,000 and funds to cover the additional amount were raised by parishioners.

Mr Houston said he was "over the moon" the work was complete.

"It far exceeds our expectations," he added.

Loose parquet flooring in the building was also made safe.

"The heating means the facility can be used all year round, it is accessible to all and can be used for standing gigs and community theatre.

"It's got a huge amount of flexibility and enables those in Kettering to access affordable arts," he added.

Coles, a patron of the venue, will be the first act when it reopens on Friday.

He will be discussing and signing his latest book, Murder at the Monastery, from 13:00 BST.

It was due to be held at the town's Waterstone's bookstore, but when it sold out bosses looked for a larger venue.

"It felt like a God moment. We wanted him here for the big official reopening in September, but he wasn't available," Mr Houston added.

"We were asked to host it and without trying he was able to be the first event, it was a real blessing in disguise."

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