The Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr Rowan Williams, will join rockers and rappers on stage at a special volunteers’ concert in Christchurch on Saturday night, November 3.

Dr Williams is visiting Christchurch during a weekend break from the Anglican Consultative Council meeting in Auckland, and has agreed to give a brief message at “The Concert” in the AMI Stadium.

The music lineup includes Katchafire, Scribe, Che-Fu & the Kratez, Hollie Smith, with special guest appearances from Titanium and the Christchurch Pops Choir.

"The Concert" is free to anyone who has given at least four hours' community work this year, in the aftermath of the Christchurch earthquakes.

Dr Williams flies in late Saturday afternoon and will go directly to a powhiri at Te Hepara Pai, headquarters of Te Hui Amorangi o Te Waipounamu in Phillipstown.

On Sunday Dr Williams will celebrate at the cathedral eucharist in the Christ’s College chapel from 9am.

Cathedral regulars have first pick of the indoor seating. Others are welcome to bring chairs and sit outdoors, where the service will be relayed over loudspeakers. 

Later that morning Dr Williams will tour the city centre, and then take part in a Service of the Word at St Christopher’s Church, Avonhead, starting at 2pm.

Tea will be served in the parish halls after the service.

At 3pm young people (aged 16–30) will be invited back into St Christopher’s to hear the Archbishop and ask questions.

He may stay briefly for refreshments afterwards before returning to Auckland around 4.30pm.