City DJ’s anger over rave inside the Cathedral
A Coventry radio DJ has hit out at Coventry Cathedral’s decision to host a rave inside their hallowed walls.
Gatecrasher will be returning to the city’s iconic cathedral in December and this time instead of being in the ruins, the music will be blasting out from inside the Cathedral of St Michael.
The decision has led to criticism from popular Free Radio DJ John Dalziel - known as JD who says it’s “a step too far” and is also angry at allowing such events to take place at the cathedral, yet they still won’t accept same-sex marriages.
In a tweet, JD said: “Sorry @ CovCathedral but this is a step too far! Inside, really? ‘Clearing the seats’ WOW!
“You’ll let this happen but still refuse anyone of the same sex to dedicate themselves to each other and claim their love for each other? #DoubleStandards #DoAnythingForMoney #SoldYourSoul .”
When contacted by the Telegraph for further comment, JD added: “I love that Gatecrasher want to host big events like this here and it’s great to have a name like this in the city.
“However, inside the cathedral just isn’t the place.
“A few people that have organised charity events (This Is Me) have told me how people at the cathedral had a go at her for scratching the floor yet they are allowing a full on rave where I’m sure they’ll be alcohol, staging, etc.”
The global nightclub brand has announced it is coming back to Coventry Cathedral on December 28 following an event in the ruins in August.
This time the event will be inside the cathedral and will be a new classical show, which will run from 7pm until 2am.
Gatecrasher, which celebrates its 25th birthday this year, said the cathedral’s 60ft high vaulted ceiling and “stunning” stainedglass features made it the perfect backdrop to host the allnew Christmas version of its classical events programme.
The event will also feature a full laser and light show plus a full club sound system.
Responding to JD’s criticism, a spokesman for Coventry Cathedral said: “There will be many declarations and commitments of love and dedication within our walls, though we are not yet able to offer a formal service of blessing to same sex couples, as the councils of the church continue to work through the theological and practical implications of doing this, especially on the context of a worldwide church where decisions we make in England can affect the safety of Christians living in other countries.
“But we do our best to be genuinely welcoming to absolutely everyone, and especially as they want to commit themselves to one another in love.
“We are absolutely delighted to be welcoming Gatecrasher back to the new cathedral after a successful concert in the ruins in the summer. We enjoy opening up the cathedral to the people of Coventry as their space and see it as a space for the city to enjoy.
“We love the idea that the new cathedral will be used to celebrate the end of a year and the start of a new one, much like the ruins will be used on New Year’s Eve for the sunrise experience.
“Our professional events team and production staff regularly manage staging, lighting and bars both inside and out for our varying event offering with over 1,000 people standing or seated.
“We require all users of the cathedral treat it with appropriate respect - but that doesn’t mean, don’t have a good time.”