Gospel Bayfest

LIVE ISSUE

Live Issue has informally become the ‘resident band’ at Morecambe Gospel Bayfest as they have been at all our weekends since 2017. Live Issue literally made history in Nashville by becoming the first country band from Ireland, and only the second group from the British Isles, to perform on the stage of the Grand Ole Opry.

Live Issue comprises of Colin Elliott, Roy Dreaning, Sam Armstrong, Carl Sands and Ivan McLernon. Although the group still plays at many events in Northern Ireland, they are also regularly found performing at concerts and conventions throughout the British Isles and parts of Europe.
 
‘New Christian Music’ named Live Issue as ‘Artist of the Year’ for four consecutive years in the Country Gospel category and in 2014 the group was awarded “Country Band of the Year” in the Northern Ireland Gospel Music Awards. In 2016 ‘The Irish Connection Radio Show’ presented the group with a special award in recognition of their contribution to County and Gospel music in Ireland.

Live Issue has recorded four studio albums and in 2018, the group hosted their own television series called 'Live Issue & Friends' for Revelation TV. This was very well received and the series is available to view on YouTube and on their website. In 2022, they were asked to be the host band on a river boat cruise of the River Rhine in Germany. They are returning to Germany and Austria in 2023 for a similar cruise on the River Danube. 

 
Live Issue is continually in demand, not only for their musical and singing ability but also for their warmth, humility, sense of humour and Christian faith. This is clear both in their music and to anyone who has had the opportunity to see the group play live.

COLIN ELLIOTT

Colin is also a member of the band Live Issue and one of the main organisers of Morecambe Gospel Bayfest, since Keith Hartley stepped back last year. Colin’s commitment as a solo artist runs parallel to the work he does with Live Issue. 

In February 2023, Colin returned to America to sing at venues in Nashville, Memphis and throughout the Southern States. He also regularly travels in Ireland, the UK and parts on Europe as part of his solo ministry. 

As well as Colin being in demand as a singer, he is also a respected record producer and songwriter who has recorded albums for many top Christian artists.

ROY DREANING

Roy Dreaning is no stranger to Morecambe Gospel Bayfest and has hosted the event on three occasions. Roy is well known as a member of Live Issue, however, he is a very accomplished solo singer in his one right. 

Roy and his wife Lorna host a broadcast on Facebook each day entitled 10 at 10 and they have a tremendous following throughout the UK, Ireland and beyond. Roy has released several solo albums and we know you will really enjoy his ministry throughout the weekend. 

THE LONGTON FAMILY

The Longton Family continues the family theme of this year’s Morecambe Gospel Bayfest. Once again, this is their first time singing at the Platform Theatre as a group in their own right. 

Husband and wife team, Mary and Peter Longton already play in the Gospel Songbook band, which leads worship throughout the weekend. They are joined by Maurice Longton who is Peter’s brother and Margaret Wright. 

The Longton Family is very popular throughout the Lancashire and Yorkshire counties and their blend of contemporary and Country Gospel music will suit all tastes.