Melanie C church gig 'really special' for town
BBCThe organisers of a gig by a former Spice Girl said it was amazing to be able to bring a world-famous name to a church in their small town.
Melanie Chisholm, best known as Mel C, played to an audience of about 350 at St Mary's in Nantwich, Cheshire, on Monday night as part of the launch of her new album Sweat.
"This gig sold out in nine minutes," said Dani Cook, from independent record shop Applestump who staged the intimate show, who described the day as "very unusual and surreal".
Fans came from far and wide, she said, including one from Italy, and the buzz around the gig had been brilliant.
"Having grown up in the 90s and loving pop music, it's really special to put this one on," said Cook, adding it was exciting to welcome Melanie C to her small town.
Her new solo album is described as a love letter to the "heady and formative days" of the 1990s and is released on 1 May.
The record shop co-owner believed they were able to attract big names to the town as they have built up a track record of shows and album signings, including with Pete Doherty, Lottery Winners, Sophie Ellis-Bextor and Blue.
Cook added: "The more that you do, the more people can see that record buyers want to come to Nantwich, so why wouldn't they put their artist on here?"
Reverend Mark Hart, from St Mary's, said it was a surprise to discover Melanie C was going to play at his church.
Although not the the first time Applestump had staged shows at the venue, her name was initially kept under wraps.
"They booked the dates, and said there was someone coming but they couldn't say who just yet, so we held off and waited," Hart said.
The church stages its own regular concerts so Hart said he was happy to have gig goers in, adding that the medieval site lends itself to performances.
"The acoustics, the aesthetic of the building... the lighting, it all adds to the experience," he added.
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