At the Big Church Day Out 2012

I had always fancied going to a music festival but it was one of those things that I thought I would never have the chance to do. However last May I got my chance and my sister and I went to the Big Church Day Out in Susses.

Neither of us drive of course because of our sight so we travelled to Sussex by train on the Friday afternoon. Unfortunately there was a delay and we missed the last bus to the campsite but we were not the only ones so we piled into taxis and away we went.

I'm not a big fan of camping so we had hired a tent rather then struggle to carry one on the train and I was worried about how we would manage to put it up. When we arrived we checked in and got our wristbands for the weekend. I was so relieved all the hired tents were in the best spot on the campsite right next to the toilets and more importantly the bacon sandwich van!!! The air beds were inflated ready for us it really took the stress out of camping having it all set up for us.

The Camp Site

There were 3 stages of music. The Tea Tent where oh yes we just had to sample a lovely cream tea while enjoying listening to the more relaxed style of music. We particularly enjoyed the Watoto Children's choir and Phillipa Hanna. There was the UCB stage which was a lot more cutting edge music. We did pass there a few times but it was not really our thing. The main stage was the biggest and the best for me. I was really looking forward to seeing the Newsboys, Chris Tomlin and Matt Redman and I was not disappointed. It was also good to hear bands I had not heard before like Rend Collective who I now really like. The worship was really energetic and just fantastic.

The Main Stage

As well as the music there was lots to do. We had a look in the Marketplace tent and at the Big Fete. We had a go on the Ferris Wheel which was good as you got a birds eye view over the whole site. There was so much to see it was impossible to do everything. 

 View from the Big Wheel

I had wondered what the food would be like particularly as my sister is a vegetarian but it was great. They have an area they call their Food Avenue with lots of different caterers from fish and chips, pizza, Mexican and pies in fact tried but we just did not get the chance to try everything!!! As it was also the Queens Jubilee weekend the Food Avenue was strung with bunting and they had Jubilee themed colouring in bits on the tables for the children. A brass band also entertained us at lunchtime which really added to the fun.

I have to admit I was a bit apprehensive about going somewhere like this with out any sighted assistance. I truly need not have worried we had an amazing weekend. Although there were just the two of us there was always someone to talk to even if it was in the queue for a coffee or on one of the long tables having something to eat. All the volunteers were so helpful so there was no stress for me at all one the odd occasion we needed help there was always someone there to ask. I think because everyone was there for the same reason, to have fellowship, worship and have a good time the atmosphere was so welcoming.

My sister has trouble with her hips and is not able to stand for long periods of time. So we were able to go up to the raised disabled viewing platform where she could sit. This was also great for me as I got as good a view of the main stage.

 On the Viewing Platform

To say the weather could have been better would be a bit of an understatement. On the Saturday evening it rained well quite a lot actually. But it did not detract from our enjoyment. In fact it was just amazing. 10,000 people singing and dancing in the pouring rain. The stage lights picking out the rain as it fell in what looked like a shower of gold. When the music ended on the Saturday with everyone at the main stage we all sang Amazing Grace it was so moving it's hard to put into words. The Holy Spirit was definitely present in that soggy field no one minded about the weather at all. At the end of the music on the Sunday night they set fire to a huge cross on the hillside above where the festival was taking place.

So are we going back this year. We certainly are and two of my friends from Church are coming along too. If like me you have always wondered what it would be like to go to a music festival or indeed a Christian festival then I really would recommend the Big Church Day Out as there is something for everyone.