St Margaret’s

WHAT’S ON

A LITTLE TIME.
A LOT TO DISCOVER.

A coffee, a conversation, a moment to pause. Find something to look forward to at St Margaret’s.

Red roses in the churchyard with St Margaret’s tower beyondSt Margaret’s Church, Rainham

ST MARGARET’S · RAINHAM

Nya King As Whitney Houston

Nya King As Whitney Houston

Join us for an unforgettable evening celebrating the music of one of the greatest voices of all time.

Nya King brings the songs of Whitney Houston to life in a spectacular live tribute concert, performing many of Whitney’s greatest hits with stunning vocals, warmth and charisma. From I Wanna Dance with Somebody and How Will I Know to Greatest Love of All, One Moment in Time and I Will Always Love You, this promises to be a night filled with nostalgia, emotion and world-class entertainment.

Set within the beautiful surroundings of St Margaret’s Church, Rainham, this special concert offers the perfect opportunity to enjoy some of the most loved songs ever recorded.

Whether you are a lifelong Whitney Houston fan or simply enjoy outstanding live music, this is an evening not to be missed.

BOOK TICKETS

ST MARGARET’S · RAINHAM

Green Hop Beer Festival

Green Hop Beer Festival

Two days of Kent beer, food and live music at St Margaret’s Church, held on 2 and 3 October 2026.

Explore the festival programme, food and fundraising story below.

ST MARGARET’S · RAINHAM

Rainham Poetry Festival

Rainham Poetry Festival

The 2026 Rainham Poetry Festival brought local, national and international voices together at St Margaret’s on 5 and 6 June. New writers shared the programme with celebrated poets, including special guest Lemn Sissay.

Explore the two days below, with spoken word, music, an anthology launch and a session for children.

ST MARGARET’S · RAINHAM

Curtis Stigers

Curtis Stigers

Since 2001 Curtis Stigers has been seriously pursuing a career as a first class jazz singer with 7 albums out so far and many awards under his belt: In 2003 his album “You Inspire Me” was the London Times´ ‘Jazz Album of the Year’, in 2007 Stigers was named ‘Jazz Artist of the Year’ by BBC Radio 2, and in 2010 Stigers won the German Jazz Echo in the category ‘Best International Male Jazz Singer’. He has performed at most major jazz festivals and iconic jazz clubs around the world and is a regular at concert halls on both sides of the Atlantic.

ST MARGARET’S · RAINHAM

Sheku & Isata Kanneh-Mason

Sheku & Isata Kanneh-Mason

Join Sheku and Isata Kanneh-Mason for an enchanting recital at the Rainham Piano Festival. This remarkable brother-and-sister duo, renowned worldwide for their virtuosity and musical connection, present a captivating programme blending timeless classics and contemporary brilliance.

ST MARGARET’S · RAINHAM

Dominic Ferris

Dominic Ferris

Dominic Ferris is one of Britain’s leading piano stars and a global ambassador to flagship piano brand Steinway & Sons. Dominic performed at the wedding of HRH Prince William and Kate Middleton and has collaborated with some of the world’s leading artists including Barry Manilow, Dame Shirley Bassey and Brian Wilson of the Beach Boys.

Dominic’s live show is a cocktail of piano fireworks featuring popular songs from the Great American Songbook, along with Gershwin’s iconic Rhapsody In Blue. Dominic will sing songs by two of the world’s leading piano showmen: Billy Joel and Elton John, whilst featuring numbers from his million-selling album projects with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, recorded at Abbey Road Studios.

Doors open 6:30pm, performance begins 7:30pm

ST MARGARET’S · RAINHAM

Julian Joseph

Julian Joseph

Atmospheres in Audio Theatre is titled to acknowledge the inherent drama we experience through the colour and sonority of timbre. Sound has its own poetry. Central to the music is the combination of the tablas with tenor saxophone added to the hearth and delicacy forged through the multiplicity of the piano.

ST MARGARET’S · RAINHAM

Jamie Johnson

Jamie Johnson performed an intimate acoustic set accompanied by a Steinway grand piano at St Margaret’s, as part of the Rainham Piano Festival.

ST MARGARET’S · RAINHAM

Rainham Piano Festival School Workshops

School workshops took place in church as part of the Rainham Piano Festival.

ST MARGARET’S · RAINHAM

8am Holy Communion

8am Holy Communion

Our Sunday 8am Holy Communion service is a peaceful, reflective time of worship held in the main church. This quiet service follows the traditional liturgy, without music, offering space for contemplation and prayer. It’s an opportunity to begin your Sunday in stillness, focusing on God’s word and sharing in the sacrament of Holy Communion. All are welcome to join us for this simple yet meaningful service.

ST MARGARET’S · RAINHAM

252 Kids

Term-time gathering. Please check holiday arrangements with the team.

252 Kids

252 Kids.  Weekly term time. 10.20am – 11.30am  Children’s Ministry.

TWO FIVE TWO KIDS (The name is linked with the Bible verse – Luke 2:52)

252 Kids is our Sunday morning group for school aged children. Years R to 6.

We meet during term time from 10.20am in the Millennium Centre with leaders and children joining the church family in church at 11.30am.

There is no session on the first Sunday of each month, instead there is an all-age Holy Communion in church. 10.30am

The session helps the children grow in wisdom, faith and friendship through a variety of well-planned and fun activities.

Parents/Carers are welcome to stay for a taster session if they wish and support their children to settle in.

ST MARGARET’S · RAINHAM

Sunday Holy Communion

Sunday Holy Communion

This is a weekly service with a mixture of traditional hymns and modern song, laced with liturgy.

ST MARGARET’S · RAINHAM

Just Say Hello Food Project

Just Say Hello Food Project

Every Tuesday, in church.

9am – 11am

ST MARGARET’S · RAINHAM

Community Hub

Coffee and seating prepared inside St Margaret’s Church

A place of welcome, information and support for all in the Rainham community, working in partnership with other agencies, community providers and locals. All welcome.

9am – 11am church

ST MARGARET’S · RAINHAM

Family Friendly Coffee Morning

Term-time gathering. Please check holiday arrangements with the team.

Family Friendly Coffee Morning

9am – 11am church
A safe space for under 5’s and their parents and carers.
Craft, toys, breakfast and time to chat. Every Monday during term-time.
Free

ST MARGARET’S · RAINHAM

Midweek Communion

Midweek Communion

Join us for a quiet and reflective midweek Communion service held each week in the peaceful setting of the chapel at St Margaret’s Church. This smaller, more intimate service offers a time for personal reflection, prayer, and sharing communion. Whether you are seeking a moment of stillness in your week or a deeper connection with God, all are welcome to participate.

ST MARGARET’S · RAINHAM

Active And Wellbeing Group

Active And Wellbeing Group

A fun and interactive group for community health and wellbeing, encompassing physical activity and education for future independence. Aimed at older populations and those with health and mobility conditions. Cost is a £3 contribution which goes back into the group’s funding pot for future classes and equipment. Refreshments are provided

Overcome Achieve Prosper

ST MARGARET’S · RAINHAM

Choir Practice

Choir Practice

Every Wednesday  7.30pm – 8.30pm 

In church.

ST MARGARET’S · RAINHAM

Prayer Group

Prayer Group

Thursday 9.30am – 10.00am  Church/chapel

Our prayer group meets in the Tufton Chapel every Thursday morning from 9.30 to 10am. Do come along if you’re free – you will be very welcome! The group includes friends from other local churches and we often focus on praying for Rainham. There is no pressure to pray out loud or spontaneously. Some people prefer to pray in silence or to read a prayer they have written down. God hears all our prayers, whether spoken aloud or offered in the silence of our hearts. When we don’t know how to pray, the Holy Spirit intercedes for us, even for needs that cannot be put into words (Romans 8:26).

ST MARGARET’S · RAINHAM

Just Say Hello Food Project

Just Say Hello Food Project

Every Thursday 10am – 12noon Community Larder

ST MARGARET’S · RAINHAM

Coffee Morning

Coffee Morning

Coffee, cake and chat. Everyone welcome.

In church, 10am – 12 noon, Thursdays

Free.

ST MARGARET’S · RAINHAM

Churchyard Maintenance Group

Churchyard Maintenance Group

Saturday (weather dependant) 9am -12noon

ST MARGARET’S · RAINHAM

Choral Evensong

Choral Evensong

This is a traditional, reflective and meditative service held near the end of the day.

Monthly. Every First Sunday at 4 p.m. for 45 minutes with our robed choir.
A sung service following the traditional pattern taken from The Book of Common Prayer.

ST MARGARET’S · RAINHAM

All-Age Holy Communion

8am Holy Communion

Our all-age Holy Communion service brings the generations together at 10:30am on the first Sunday of each month. Children stay with the church family, with no separate 252 Kids session.

ST MARGARET’S · RAINHAM

About Nya King

Nya King celebrates Whitney Houston’s music in a live tribute concert, bringing her warmth, charisma and powerful vocals to some of the singer’s best-loved songs.

The programme includes I Wanna Dance with Somebody, How Will I Know, Greatest Love of All, One Moment in Time and I Will Always Love You.

ST MARGARET’S · RAINHAM

Your Evening

Saturday 28 November 2026

St Margaret’s Church, High Street, Rainham, Kent, ME8 7JH.

Check the ticket provider’s listing for the confirmed performance time, prices, seating and admission information before booking.

ST MARGARET’S · RAINHAM

Friday Programme

5 JUNE 2026 · FROM 6PM

ST MARGARET’S · RAINHAM

Saturday Programme

6 JUNE 2026 · FROM 2PM

ST MARGARET’S · RAINHAM

Lemn Sissay

Poet and broadcaster Lemn Sissay headlined the 2026 festival with Let the Light Pour In. He was the official poet of the London 2012 Olympics and received the 2019 PEN Pinter Prize.

ST MARGARET’S · RAINHAM

Poetry For Children

The Saturday programme opened at 2pm with reading and poetry for children, young people and the young at heart, introduced by Nathan Ward.

ST MARGARET’S · RAINHAM

Festival Overview

ST MARGARET’S GREEN HOP BEER FESTIVAL 2026

Friday 2 October | 4pm–11pm
Saturday 3 October | 12pm–11pm

Join us at our beautiful 800-year-old Grade I listed church in the heart of Rainham for two days of great beer, Kent food and live music.

With 24 cask ales – mostly Green Hop beers – Kent ciders, Kent wine, live entertainment and our Green Hop BBQ, this is a proper celebration of Kent’s brewing and hop-growing heritage.

ST MARGARET’S · RAINHAM

24 CASK ALES – MOSTLY GREEN HOP

Green Hop beers are made using freshly harvested hops rather than dried hops, creating distinctive seasonal beers that can only really be enjoyed at this time of year.

Alongside our 24 cask ales, you’ll find Kent ciders, Kent wine, soft drinks and alcohol-free options.

EXCLUSIVE LAUNCH OF MAGGIE’S ALE

Be among the first to try Maggie’s Ale – our very own beer, launched exclusively at the festival and only available in Rainham.

ST MARGARET’S · RAINHAM

LIVE MUSIC & ENTERTAINMENT

Friday

4.00–4.45pm – China Soul: Acoustic Set
4.45–5.15pm – Meet the Brewer
5.15–6.00pm – China Soul: Acoustic Set
6.00–6.45pm – Cockney Singalong
7.15–8.00pm – Cockney Singalong
8.30–9.15pm – The Dead Pelicans
9.45–10.30pm – The Dead Pelicans

Music continues between live sets.

Saturday

12.00–12.45pm – The Cockney Knight
1.15–2.00pm – The Cockney Knight
2.30–3.30pm – Marvellous Mo & The Backline Ferrets
4.00–5.00pm – Marvellous Mo & The Backline Ferrets
5.00pm – Hog Roast is served
6.00–6.45pm – China Soul with full band
7.15–8.00pm – China Soul with full band
9.00–9.45pm – Unit 48
10.15–11.00pm – Unit 48

Music continues between live sets.

ST MARGARET’S · RAINHAM

GREEN HOP BBQ

Our Green Hop BBQ will be serving Kent sausages and Kent burgers throughout Friday and Saturday.

On Saturday, there’s also a Hog Roast served from 5pm.

ST MARGARET’S · RAINHAM

YOUR £15 TICKET INCLUDES

• Festival pint glass to take home
• Festival beer menu
• Your first pint
• Live music and entertainment

Tickets are £15 per person, per day.

Capacity is limited, so advance booking is strongly recommended.

STRICTLY 18+ | CHALLENGE 25 | PHOTO ID MAY BE REQUIRED

ST MARGARET’S · RAINHAM

OPENING TIMES

Friday 2 October: 4pm–11pm
Saturday 3 October: 12pm–11pm
Saturday last admission: 7pm

ST MARGARET’S · RAINHAM

GETTING HERE

St Margaret’s Church
High Street
Rainham
Gillingham
Kent
ME8 7JH

We’re within easy walking distance of Rainham railway station and the main local bus routes.

ST MARGARET’S · RAINHAM

RAISING FUNDS FOR ST MARGARET’S

St Margaret’s Green Hop Beer Festival is a fundraising event organised by Acts Six Ltd, the wholly owned trading subsidiary of St Margaret’s Church, Rainham, to raise funds in support of the church and its work in the local community.

St Margaret’s Church, Rainham is a registered charity (Charity No. 1134849).

Thank you for supporting St Margaret’s – and cheers!

Tickets go on sale at 8pm Monday 17th August 2026

ST MARGARET’S · RAINHAM

The Venue

St Margaret’s Church is on High Street, Rainham, Kent, ME8 7JH. This historic, Grade I listed church brings centuries of local heritage to every visit, offering a distinctive setting for live music, poetry and performance.

From an intimate recital to an evening of spoken word or a lively festival, the building is part of the experience. It is a place to enjoy outstanding performances, discover new voices and come together in the heart of Rainham.

Rainham railway station and local bus routes are within walking distance. Use the map below to plan your journey, and check event details for admission and performance times.

ST MARGARET’S · RAINHAM

Before You Book

Performance times, ticket prices, age restrictions and seating arrangements vary by event. Check the event’s ticket listing before purchasing.

If you have an access requirement or a question about an event, contact the team before booking so they can help you plan your visit.

office@rainhamchurch.co.uk
01634 362023

ST MARGARET’S · RAINHAM

About Acts Six

Acts Six Ltd is the wholly owned trading subsidiary of St Margaret’s Church, Rainham. Its fundraising events support the church and its work in the local community.

St Margaret’s Church, Rainham is a registered charity.
Registered Charity Number: 1134849

ST MARGARET’S · RAINHAM

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