We can't all be at Glastonbury this weekend to see Elton John's final gig, but you can catch the 'Elton John Experience' with Mark Stewart at the Chapel in the Gardens in Bridport just a week later.

The event will be held on Saturday, July 1 from 7.30pm and will raise funds for the chapel.

Ten years ago, Mark was enrolled in a course called Access to Music and one of the exercises was to develop a tribute act and present three songs.

Mark explained: "I wasn't really that big a fan of Elton John but I chose him because we both play the piano; I like standing up to play, and used to sing my own songs on open mic nights."

It turns out Elton John was an inspired choice; the members of the course were knocked out by Mark's terrific energy and ability to channel Elton as he stood at his piano and belted out his top hits.

Since then, he has been invited to play at concerts and dances and has discovered, from not being sure he liked Elton John, that he is a real fan.

"It's been a fun challenge to find outfits as outrageous as Elton's for the show!" enthused Mark.

"After the concerts, it's amazing and rewarding that the crowd ask for selfies, my autograph and to please 'carry on being Elton!'"

Fancy dress shop Instant Redress in East Street, Bridport, is preparing for an onslaught of fans seeking feather boas and giant spectacles for the event, as all are encouraged to take inspiration from Elton for the concert.

Store owner Jill Crump said: "We are always happy when the town has an event that needs our support, either by supplying the fancy dress outfits Bridport people love to wear, or in offering a raffle prize for the charitable event.

"Our neighbours, the Chapel in Garden, do such good work in the town with their Community Fridge on Tuesdays and Saturdays, and offering clothes to the Ukrainian refugees, that we were happy to delve into our stock to find what was needed for the show!"

Margie Barbour of the Chapel in the Garden fundraising team, commented: "We are very grateful to Mark for coming to Bridport with his show, he is a lay Minister in Bristol and often comes to lead services with his husband Karl.

"All old buildings need a lot of looking after, the chapel is no exception and this concert will help pay for some of the essential work."

The Reverend John Harley, minister of the Chapel in the Garden, added: "I knew from hearing Mark sing as he led a service that he has a marvellous voice, and I was so impressed when I saw his terrific Elton John Experience. He makes the whole evening great fun, and everyone is knocked out by his performance.

"The Chapel is very grateful to Mark for coming to Bridport, during Pride Month, to affirm our support of Elton's stance on LGBT issues."

Mark added: "I am very happy to be asked to raise funds for the Chapel in the Garden. I see it as unique amongst Unitarian congregations; the way it engages with refugees, runs a community fridge, invites people to share a bowl of soup and offers a loving hand to all the community, it's very special."

Tickets cost £12 from the Tourist Information Centre in Bridport on 01308 424901, or from the Chapel itself on 07566 751 752. The concert will begin at 7.30pm with doors and bar open from 6.30pm.