Nautical festivities come to former church for a night
THE former Holy Trinity Church in Sunderland is to have a nautical makeover to provide the setting for a unique musical night out.
The church – which dates to the 1700s – in the city’s east end is now cultural and events space Seventeen Nineteen and it will be having another new look this summer when it is taken over by flashmob musical Old Time Sailors. A ‘crew’ of 17 performers will be casting a spell on audiences on June 9 with an evening of music and dancing that will be out to capture a flavour of life at sea in the days of press gangs and smugglers.
Leading the way will be Captain Nicholas Moffat, who will be taking guests on a trip back through time and is promising plenty of songs – with music and lyrics provided so that everyone can join in – plus dancing and sailing trivia. Seventeen Nineteen will be transformed into a 19th Century sailing vessel for the occasion, with steamer trunks, whisky barrels and fishing nets helping to set the scene.
The church is at the centre of what was once one of the largest seafaring ports in the UK and Tracey Mienie, manager of Seventeen Nineteen which is cared for by the national charity Churches Conservation Trust, said of the musical’s historic location: “I doubt there’s a more suitable setting for a night of 18th and 19th Century sailor songs anywhere in the region.
“This is the oldest part of the city and, although the church recently underwent a multi-million pound refurbishment, its links to the Sunderland seafaring community are very evident.”
Also adding to the atmosphere on the night will be the church graveyard, which includes a monument to one of Wearside’s most famous sons: Royal Navy sailor Jack Crawford who famously nailed his ship’s colours to the mast to inspire the fleet during the 1797 battle of Camperdown.
And also in keeping with the sea theme will be a mobile fish and chip shop which will be offering interval snacks. There are currently limited edition early bird tickets, costing £17.50£22.20, available for Old Time Sailors which will run on June 9 from 7pm10pm.