FRIENDS OF WORLD VISION

World Vision is proud to work with a range of artists, musicians, speakers and comedians, who promote our organisation's life-changing work through events, tours and experiences.

We are very proud that all of these artists have a genuine passion for the work we do. They work tirelessly to help us create inspiring, entertaining and cost-effective events that enable more people to hear about the work we undertake, become child sponsors and assist in protecting vulnerable children living in some of the world’s hardest places.

SEARCHLIGHT THEATRE COMPANY

Searchlight Theatre Company interacts with their audience through producing and sharing life changing stories that make them laugh and cry, and highlight what it is to be human as well as to experience God.

Formed in 2011, the company regularly tours internationally with award winning authors Philip Yancey and Jeff Lucas.  They also have a number of productions available for UK churches.

The company works in the UK, USA, Canada, Australia and New Zealand.  Productions range from comedies, murder mysteries and family shows through to full length plays on the lives of CS Lewis, Eric Liddell and Brother Andrew.

"Poignant, heart-warming, professional, laugh out loud hilarious and occasionally gut wrenching. Searchlight bring it all. Recommend without hesitation." Jeff Lucas, international author and speaker.

For more information about Searchlight Theatre Company and their upcoming performances, please visit www.searchlighttheatre.org

LARA MARTIN

Lara Martin is a talented singer, songwriter, worship leader and public speaker who has performed all over the world. Lara has a unique way of combining her gift in music with telling stories from her own experiences in life and sharing those of others; her message is inexplicably one of hope. Lara has a passion for social justice. 

Lara is best known for her songs 'The Voice of Hope' and 'Divine Exchange', as well as 'Be With Me', 'The Forgotten Ones' and 'Soothe' from her album 'Pearl'.

“I am so honoured to represent World Vision and be part of an organisation which is active in injecting hope and new possibilities into the poorest communities across the world. Music is a wonderful vehicle of communication and it can be used to be a voice for the hungry, the lonely and the vulnerable with their plight able to reach the ears of people thousands of miles away! Once people are made aware of someone else’s need, they are no longer in ignorance. Poverty is all of our responsibility and everyone can do something to change a life and make it better. I love that World Vision explores creative ways to do this and it’s a privilege for me to be involved with them.” Lara Martin.

Watch Lara's experience in Cambodia »

For more information about Lara, please visit www.laramartin.co.uk

PETE JAMES

Pete is a full-time songwriter and worship leader, playing at conferences and festivals across the UK and abroad. He also works alongside his wife Nicola, facilitating Leadership Communities for churches across Europe. Pete and his family are on the south coast and are based at Kings Church Eastbourne. They were previously based at St Thomas’ Philadelphia, Sheffield, where he served as Worship Director for 8 years.

Pete and Nicola have a daughter Olivia and in his spare time, Pete enjoys all board sports and biking. Pete is signed to Elevation, and his latest album 'All Or Nothing', was released in March 2014.

For more information about Pete, please visit www.petejamesmusic.com

DAVE BILBROUGH

Dave Bilbrough is an award-winning songwriter, worship leader and author.  With over three decades of experience, Dave’s compositions have been sung worldwide by Christians of all denominations.  Well known songs include 'All Hail The Lamb', 'I Am A new Creation' and 'Abba Father'.

Dave's latest album 'Precious Grace' has been written for congregational use in Christian gatherings both large and small across the world.  As well as leading UK celebrations, Dave's travels have taken him to the USA, various European and Scandinavian countries, Malaysia, India, Africa, Australia, Indonesia and the Middle East.  Dave has appeared on national television and radio, and has also received two awards for his independently released TV programme and DVD 'This is My Worship Live and Acoustic'.

"I, along with my wife Pat, have sponsored a child with World Vision for eight years. To be able to contribute financially and pray fully to the young life of an individual in a needy situation with regular reports provided of their progress and education, continues to be a very rewarding experience. Being a World Vision artist provides me with the opportunity to communicate with the wider church family with a worshipful heart, making a difference to somebody’s world.” Dave Bilbrough. 

Find out more about Dave’s work at www.davebilbrough.com

CARRIE GRANT

Carrie Grant is a well-known and successful author, speaker and vocal coach who has worked on BBC 1's Fame Academy, ITV's Pop Idol, Comic Relief Does Fame Academy and Glee Club.  Carrie reports for the BBC’s The One Show and The Culture Show.  Alongside husband David, Carrie also fronts Carrie and David’s Popshop on CBeebies.

Carrie has worked as a vocal coach and producer for many years alongside various artists including Take That, Will Young and Gwyneth Paltrow.  She has also been a top session singer, working with artists such as Diana Ross, Roberta Flack, Rod Stewart, Lighthouse Family and Fat Boy Slim.

For more information including tours, motivational speaking and authorship, please visit www.carrieanddavidgrant.co.uk

JO ENRIGHT

For more than a decade the highly acclaimed comedienne Jo Enright has crafted a completely unique style of stand-up comedy.  As well as performing on television and radio, Jo also performs live theatre and has won several comedy awards including the Chortle Award for ‘The Best Female Circuit Comic’ and the ‘Best Female on the Jongleurs Comedy Circuit’ award.

Jo is also in demand as a character actress and appears as the lead female Beverley in Peter Kay’s Phoenix Nights, Cara in Lab Rats and Peter Kay’s Britain's Got The Pop Factor.

To find out more about Jo Enright, please visit www.joenright.com.