The after-show party

As with Jail Break 3 years ago, we decided it was really important not to end the whole Rock experience with Symphony Hall. There is enough pressure on the Rock team for two huge performances, without it also being the last time the team will ever see each other. Providing something the following day for relaxation lifts some of the emotional pressure and allowed the cast to simply enjoy the moment.

So the following afternoon, the Rock Touring Party, as well as quite a number of family and friends met at Christ Church, Burney Lane, which had been the venue for all our rehearsals. We began the afternoon with some chat, and then held a simple service consisting of worship, liturgy and a symbollic 'cutting off' of people from the experience, enabling them to move on with their lives.

After the service, we shared in some drinks and snacks, enjoying each other's company as a complete team for the last time.

Rock Finale - Symphony Hall 14th November

So, the national tour is over, and all that remains is to finish with a bang. And what better place than Symphony Hall in Birmingham - one of the finest concert halls in the country.

On Saturday 14th November the Rock team descended on Symphony Hall, along with 1080 choir members, made up of groups from across the country, filling the entire ground floor of the auditorium, including the stage and the choir seats behind the stage. So many singers in their white shirts and red scarves/hankies looked absolutely fantastic.

The team were understandably quite emotional, but the excitement of the day took over. With at least 1200 in the audience across 2 performances, we were thrilled with the turnout, and groups were arriving in coaches from 11am.

Malachi Theatre services did a wonderful job in such a huge venue, as did the sales team in the foyer of the hall, coping with ticket sales as well as programmes and merchandise. We managed to get rid of all the remaining programmes except for a handful - so if you didn't get hold of one, do let us know!

One of the highlights of the day for me was seeing so many familiar faces both in the choir and in the audience. It was almost impossible at the end to get home because there were so many people to meet and greet. The support for CMM and for Rock was wonderful to see.

The performances both went well - the afternoon was introduced by Bishop Michael Whinney, a long-standing friend to the ministry. The evening performance was introduced by Nikki Tapper of BBC Radio West Midlands.

We were also priviledged to be joined by two signers, one of whom had taken part in the performances in Penrith in November 2008. They add such a huge dimension to the drama and worship of the event.

So huge thanks go to all involved in the finale of Rock - group organisers, programme sellers, merchandise sellers, signers, as well as all the CMM and EBRG team.