Faith on the fells: Celebrating 150 years of Keswick Convention

Deeply rooted in the history of English evangelicalism and the culture of the Lake District, the Keswick Convention is celebrating its 150th birthday this summer. Heather Tomlinson considers the impact of this free three-week Christian event 

Keswick Convention is unique. Unlike nearly all other large Christian festivals, it remains entirely free for the estimated 10,000 adults who enter its large tent and listen to the all-day worship and Bible teaching during July and August each year. No tickets, no guarded gates with plastic wristbands, no ‘early bird discounts’. Of course, it asks for donations – the £1m cost of putting on the event must be met – but the organisers live by faith that the necessary funds will be provided.