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Beverley Knight joins Wolverhampton's Jamaican celebration

Soul songstress Beverley Knight was the star turn when 50 years of Jamaican independence was celebrated at a church in Wolverhampton.

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Soul songstress Beverley Knight was the star turn when 50 years of Jamaican independence was celebrated at a church in Wolverhampton.

Darlington Street Methodist Church was full to the brim for the one-off concert, which was also attended by 1,400 people including microscopic art sculptor Willard Wigan and a host of civic dignitaries.

Wolverhampton singer Beverley gave a poignant rendition of Many Rivers to Cross – by renowned Jamaican artist Jimmy Cliff – to close the night.

Music performances, speeches and prayers took place throughout the event, called One People One Light.

Beverley, whose parents hail from Jamaica and met in Wolverhampton, spoke of growing up with Jamaican heritage.

She said: "I was born here but I grew up with that duality of heritage of very much being a Wolverhampton girl but wearing my Jamaican heritage at the same time – and being proud of it. There's a real meeting of minds and hearts in Wolverhampton between the Jamaican community and other communities."

Leslie Fairclough, chairman of organisers C3, said: "The celebration of Jamaica's independence is a very important event."

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