Hope for our world

Three full days of great Bible teaching plus entertainment for all ages, mixed in with fun, resources, sport and relaxation are all on offer at the first ever Cheltenham Bible Festival which runs from Thursday to Sunday August 9-11.

‘In the autumn, we held a preview day for church leaders and team members’, says Andrew Nicholson of FIEC, the sponsors of the festival.

Andrew was certainly upbeat about the value of the day when he spoke to EN. ‘We were amazed at the overwhelming endorsement for this initiative from the 115 leaders who came. As well as a realisation of the superb facilities the venue has to offer, those attending the day expressed a real sense that this is the right time for such an initiative.’

According to Richard Underwood, General Secretary of FIEC, ‘The event has as its bedrock good Bible teaching designed for adults, students, youth and children. Don Carson will bring the morning adult ministry on the theme of “Hope for our World”. The organisation Crosslinks will look at a biblical understanding of mission, under the title of “God’s Agenda for the World”. Emu Music takes on the challenge of teaching about contemporary biblical worship — including practical workshops. And 9:38 will address the need to raise up a new generation of gospel workers.’

Questions

However, some people have doubted the wisdom of the date of the festival. With such a crowded summer programme with events like Keswick and the Evangelical Movement of Wales Aberystwyth conference in August, is there room for another major Christian event? Andrew reckons there is. ‘There is a demand for the combination of good Bible teaching, music and leisure attractions we intend to provide. And in talking to younger people, especially those with families, we were encouraged to run the event into a weekend so that less time has to be taken off work. This is more of a mini-break than a full-blown holiday. But, most of all, we hope that the festival will prove to be a “first choice” for many when planning their summer schedule.’

Student track

Other well-known names involved include The Proclamation Trust and UCCF which will resource a track for students. The organisers also expect to announce sessions dealing with other family, contemporary culture and a variety of practical church issues.

Sense of excitement

‘The talks programme is only one of the attractions of the festival’ says Andrew. ‘Each evening will see a variety of main stage events in the 2,250 seat Centaur auditorium that will appeal to a wide age range’.

A Ceilidh on the Thursday sounds like a great icebreaker. On the Friday evening, Steve Price, a professional illusionist who is also a Christian, will entertain and will be supported by a band playing a wide range of music. The Saturday finale sees Stuart Townend in concert.

‘There is a sense of excitement being expressed by many churches’, says Andrew. ‘This is an event with which they want to identify because they share the same gospel values. We also want to see our families and churches enriched by sharing time together through learning and enjoying many of God’s gifts’.

The festival village is one such place where there will be a rolling programme of seminars and activities, plus resources and a performance cafŽ with different musical styles on offer.

Andrew says that the organisers soon hope to announce a fuller range of practical workshops, craft opportunities, sports and leisure facilities. Characteristically upbeat, he says ‘you might find yourself being followed by someone on stilts, or coming across a line of children flying their kites, or wander onto the basketball courts.’

Accommodation FAQs

According to the organisers, one of the most frequently asked questions relates to the range of accommodation on offer. ‘There are plenty of options’, says Andrew, ‘but we are particularly keen to see a growing campsite community. A number of churches are preparing to bring groups and access their own exclusive camping area. But, as not everyone wants to camp, there are other facilities for hire at the venue where groups can meet up during the event.’

Representing four years of research and preparation it remains to be seen how much of an impact the festival makes, but the early signs are encouraging. The event has also proved to be a stimulus for a number of evangelical organisations to work together towards a common goal and that has to be a good thing.

Do you want to help?

A wide range of volunteers is also needed. Elisabeth Smyth, volunteer co-ordinator, says, ‘We’ve been so encouraged by those who have already offered to help — very different people from different backgrounds and across the age range but all with a desire to help make the event a blessing to all who attend’. Elisabeth can be contacted at volunteers@biblefestival.com and there are more details on the web site.

For more information about the festival you can call the enquiry and booking line on 0845 094 2553 or go online to http://www.biblefestival.com.

Festival passes start at £70 per adult and £25 per child. The organisers are also keen to point out the convenience of such a centrally located venue with daily access possible from many areas. So they expect Day passes. Special discounts apply for students and those wanting to access the Come Together programme for those with learning disabilities.