St John rising from the ashes (+video)

Tears were shed, music was enjoyed and money was raised for the St John community programme at today's Rising From The Ashes concert.

Event organiser Bruce Norman said he was pleased so many people turned up.

"We put out 600 chairs and I would say we filled more than 500 of them," he said.

"The talent we've got on display here today is just outstanding, people are certainly getting their donations worth."

A variety of people from young to old had turned out for the concert.

"Out of diversity we often find support and it's nice to do something for them," he said.

"So many people have been so brilliant to give the way they have."

Rotorua Youth Pipe band kicked off the afternoon's entertainment with Scotland the Brave.

They were followed by the Sunrise Rotary Rockers, The Edward Brothers, Rob Howard and The Bainbridge Singers, St John's Youth Music Group and Michael Jones.

Anahera Waiariki sang a tear jerking rendition of Ten Thousand Angels Cried.

The show was rounded out with the Group Gabriel's presence who performed Power of Your Love, through some technical difficulties and Reverend Lance Thomas who gave a karakia.

"I have learned a lot since that Wednesday evening in February," he said.

"Mostly that there are a lot of people who love Rotorua and that there is a lot of love for the people that love Rotorua."

He said the funds raised from today's concert would go towards the equipment needed to keep their community services going.

"Eventually we will build a new building, and that building will be built with the aim of serving God and aiding our community," he said.

"God has given us this amazing city and populated it with beautiful people. Thank God for Rotorua."

Amy Davidson, who works with Harvest Church was MC for the event.

"They're not just a church, they're an amazing church," she said.

"They do a variety of amazing community services and it was a privilege to acknowledge Lance Thomas and the church parishioners."

Miss Davidson wanted to thank everyone who came out to support, volunteer and perform.

Rotorua local Deb Bell had come to watch the entertainment to see all the talent on show.

"It's honestly been amazing," she said.

"I've been taking notes, and I wrote 'when you lose your way, you find yourself' and that's what I'm really taking from today."

Another woman in the audience who asked not to be named said it was wonderful to see the church community coming together.

Valerie Smith and her 12-year-old son Lawrence both performed in the concert.

"It's a really good cause, even though it isn't our church it's brought all the denominations together," she said.