Entertainment Reporter
Preparations for the Crossline Music Worship Festival featuring top American gospel artistes Michael W. Smith and Nicole C. Mullen are now in full swing, organisers have said.

The festival scheduled for the Harare Gardens from August 24-26 with the highlight being Smith, who will bring the curtain down on the fete with a two-hour concert.
Pastor Herman Chimusoro of Crossline Music and Video, who are putting the concert together, said all was set for the concert.
“Michael W. Smith is definitely coming to Zimbabwe and what we want to emphasise is that the show will be held at the Harare Gardens and not the Celebration Centre as some people might have been thinking. The main reason is that the Harare Gardens are more central and accessible to most people. Another thing is that the concert has no sponsorship at this stage and those who wish to sponsor the free to do so.

“However, we have since noted that the preparations cannot be derailed by one big corporate sponsor who is yet to decide whether they are in or not. Imagine what happens if they decide that they cannot partner with us at the last minute, so the festival is on and it is going to be big,” Pastor Chimusoro said.

Many gospel fans have been asking where and how to buy tickets as there will be not tickets on the day of the show.
However, Pastor Chimusoro clarified the position saying all those wishing to attend the festival should buy their tickets in advance.
“Tickets are already on sale at designated churches such the UFIC, Northside Church, ZAOGA, The Base, Harvest Church, Renewal Church,

Cornerstone Church, ROL Eastlea/WestgateCelebration (Westgate), Celebration (main church), Scott Riddel, Scott Marques, Greystone Park Church, Church of the Nazarine — Avondale, Kingsmead Church, The Rock and Salvation Army Masiye Camp both in Bulawayo, Highland Presbyterian, Central Baptist, Logas Ministries and Faith Ministries in Borrowdale or Westgate,” he said

Pastor Chimusoro urged fans to buy tickets in advance to avoid disappointment.
“What people need to appreciate is the magnitude of this concert because Michael W. Smith is one of the big names in America insofar as gospel music is concerned. So to avoid stampede and last-minute rush, tickets are now available online and selected churches. Each day will have a different charge and fans can choose either the ordinary ticket or the VIP.

“Depending on the day, the ordinary ticket will go for US$10 to about US$20 for the first day of the festival. And those who want to watch Nicole will part with at least anything between US$15 to US$30 while the last day of the festival which features Smith, tickets will start from US$20 to about US$50 for the VIP enclosure,”  Pastor Chimusoro said.

The Grammy Award-winning Smith will be performing in Zimbabwe for the first time and it is hoped that fans will come from as far as Botswana, Zambia and South Africa.