Creation Fest: ‘A glorious celebration of life’

Over 10,000 people gathered in Cornwall (South West of England) this August to celebrate “LIFE” in all its fullness.

Creation Fest, a free week-long skate, music, bible and family festival held in Wadebridge, took its 2018 theme from the famous verses in John 10:10, gathering together young and old, skaters and surfers, farmers, musicians, artists and everyone in between for what was described as “a fun-filled celebration of the LIFE that we find in Christ Jesus”.

In addition to daily Bible studies led by an array of international speakers and evening concerts headlined by artists including Guvna B, Worship Central and Noel Roberts, the showground was swarmed with a whole host of activities for all ages and interests. From dusk until dawn, fifteen venues provided a programme of free, fun activities that included art workshops, daily sports activities, barn dances, bonfires and comedy nights.

Five music venues hosted over 70 bands and artists, and a full schedule of seminars and talks included a school of worship led by Worship Central South West. For younger festival-goers, the daily kids programme catered for over 880 children, alongside a teen venue that included late night activities, movie screenings and even the opportunity to get out on the mission field with daily outreaches to nearby towns and beach resorts.

Taking centre stage was the South West’s largest custom-built indoor skate park, which provided daily skate sessions as well as demonstrations and stories of faith from a team of pro skaters from around the globe.

A FREE FESTIVAL TO INVITE FRIENDS

Creation Fest continues to be one of the few events that does not charge an entrance fee. Believing that the gospel should be freely heard and freely shared, Creation Fest’s Sarah Yardley is convinced that this is key to reaching out to those on the fringes of church life or whom have not yet heard the good news. “Because it’s free, when their Christian friends invite them to come, people have less reason to say no”, she says. “Some come to skate, some come for the fireworks, to listen to the great music or to attend an art workshop. We believe in a Creator God that makes creative people, and that the whole breadth of our talents and our interests can be worship to God. But it is also attractive to people outside of the church. They come for the fun, but whilst they are here, we pray they also hear about a God who loves them”.

Next up, Creation Fest heads north for a one day event in Dundee on 29^th September. Its partnership with the local church continues throughout the year, running a worship tour this autumn in conjunction with Worship Central South West, as well as continuing to invest in young people through a series of monthly youth gatherings in Cornwall, called Glow, run in partnership with South West Youth Ministries.

Learn more about Creation Fest on its website.