Rick Wakeman CBE to headline Saving Strays Christmas showcase at St Mary Le Tower Church in Ipswich

A famous musician will headline a Christmas showcase at a Suffolk town church in aid of a pet rescue charity.

Rick Wakeman CBE, who has recently moved to Suffolk and is known for his time with the band Yes, will top the bill in the benefit at St Mary Le Tower, in Ipswich, for Saving Strays, on Saturday, December 23.

He will perform alongside a variety of other acts, including musical comedy trio Triple Cream and star of Downton Abbey Peter Egan, who is also co-chair of Saving Strays.

The charity, which is run entirely by volunteers, rescues, rehabilitates and rehomes abandoned and abused dogs.

Wakeman has adopted several Saving Strays dogs with his wife Rachel, and said: “Dogs have so much love to give and it upsets me that humans are not always reciprocal.

“If you let a dog into your life, then from first hand experience, I can guarantee that you will have a very special life.”

The renowned keyboard player and composer will perform favourites from his own repertoire as well as those of other artists, alongside a few seasonal favourites all adapted for piano.

Singer-songwriter Mim Grey and church chorister Matthew Jones will also be performing in the show.

Saving Strays co-chair Maria Slough said: “To be able to host this concert with Rick and Peter and everyone who is taking part is such an incredible way to close out the year.

“We will raise the roof for the dogs in need and it will be an experience to remember for everyone.”

Wakeman will also intersperse the songs with anecdotes from his career.

Tickets start from £25.