News

The Wander of You

ROCKING Reverend Andy Kelso will put his blue suede shoes to good use in west Belfast today when he walks from the Falls to Shankill Road, spreading his message of peace and goodwill.

The clergyman from Worcester in England, who raises money for charity as an Elvis impersonator, arrived in Belfast yesterday to prepare for an unusual cross- community event organised by Townsend Street Presbyterian church.

He will walk across the peace line in full Vegas-style jumpsuit, singing on the steps of the Falls Road library before performing an encore on the library steps on the Shankill.

A full concert is planned for Townsend church in April. Organiser Francis Higgins said the church has already been over-whelmed by support from across the city for the rock-and-roll- loving reverend.

"The Europa Hotel have gave Andy accommodation in support of the peace-building event which is something we didn't expect and people are reacting to him so well," he said.

"He's a great guy and we're hoping for a really good turnout for the peace walk."

Mr kelso will be back in Belfast on April 5 for his gala concert in aid of the NI children's Hospice.

"The church is 120 years old this year and was originally built as an auditorium so is perfect for musical events of this type," Mr Higgins said.

'Rev Elvis' is expected to arrive at the Falls Road library at around 11am before walking across the peaceline to the Shankill.

Tickets for his April 5 gig are available by contacting f.higgins@gmail.com (minimum donation £10).

* NO SUSPICIOUS MINDS PLEASE: 'Rev Elvis' (Andy Kelso) will today stage a cross-community walk from Belfast's Falls to the Shankill across the peaceline at Northumberland Street PICTURES: Mal McCann

* ONE FOR THE MONEY - FOR CHARITY: Townsend Street Presbyterian Church may not have blue suede pews but it is a perfect auditorium for Andy Kelso's gala concert in aid of the Children's Hospice, according to the organiser