Cornwall’s only Christian festival has been threatened with closure. Here, one 20-year-old volunteer shares how the event has impacted her own walk with Jesus, and urges other Christians to consider investing in the spiritual landscape of one of the UK’s most under-served regions
As a 20-year-old who has spent her whole life attending Creation Fest, I was devastated to hear that there is a chance the event may have to close.
Like many festivals, the organisation has faced a huge number of challenges over the past few years – changes in leadership and financial funding, a global pandemic, increases in running costs and the cost-of-living crisis affecting everyone.
I have witnessed the impact that this festival has had on the local community and seen the deep love that everyone who works there has for the festival. More importantly, I truly believe that Creation Fest is a vehicle through which God has been working in the Southwest of England, and I pray that this will – somehow - continue.
I know this because I feel as though I have grown up at this festival. I attended the kids tent throughout my childhood, where I was first invited to accept Jesus into my heart. Then, in the youth venues, I learned to worship freely. Later, I volunteered in the arts venue, the office and on the social media team.
Rural isolation
Growing up in Cornwall as a young Christian can be isolating. Towns are small and spread apart; youth groups tend to be few in number and church congregations can feel lonely. Creation Fest is an event for all ages, but the provision for children and young people is particularly important. Imagine the joy when teenagers from all over the Southwest come together to worship, learn and play crazy youth group games (if you know, you know!).
I can confidently say that without Creation Fest, I would not be the person that I am today. I wonder if I would even still be following Jesus. So many young people grow up in church but never feel at home. At some point, they walk away from their faith - but Creation Fest became a spiritual home for me, and that honestly saved me.
There is nothing else in Cornwall that could fill the gap that would appear if Creation Fest closed down
Their office in the nearby town of Wadebridge (where I went to school) became a refuge for local young people who flocked there after school to chat and learn from the people working there. The Creation Fest team opened their space up to us with biscuits in one hand and a Bible in the other. I watched as kids who had never been to church interrogated the volunteers, who answered their questions with grace and patience.
Year-round impact
Creation Fest’s presence here is vital, and I don’t want to imagine our town, county or region without it. But the events they run are even more incredible. Glow is a monthly youth event where young people from across Cornwall join together for worship, testimonies and workshops.
The festival is amazing, but Glow created a rhythm throughout my year, a place for me to be in fellowship with other young people. It taught me that the Spirit always wants to move in me – it’s not a once-a-year thing that happens only at a festival. There, friendships were strengthened and, as we grew up and started going to college, Christian Unions formed with familiar faces from Glow.
But what about the main event? Creation Fest is a Christian festival like no other. It is peaceful. It is joyful. It is welcoming. As you walk through the gates, you feel immediately loved. It would be a tragedy if all that was lost.
Every year, countless people meet Jesus for the first time, return to faith, get baptised, and healed. Creation Fest is the heartbeat of the revival in Cornwall. I have seen teens who hang around at the bus stop give their lives to God at this festival. I have seen adults choose to live for Jesus at this festival. I have seen children realise that the creator of the universe wants a relationship with them at this festival.
I have witnessed the impact of Creation Fest in my locality and across the county. I have seen school friends personally impacted by both the event and the people running it. I can only say that it feels like a necessity.
A vital investment
There is nothing else in Cornwall that could fill the gap that would appear if Creation Fest closed down and it breaks my heart to think of the person I would be if I did not grow up alongside this festival – but this is the reality that many would face if it ceased to exist.
Far fewer opportunities to hear the gospel. Far less opportunities to build community and unity between churches. A significant lack of fellowship – something that the Bible urges us to search for.
I can confidently say that without Creation Fest, I would not be the person that I am today. I wonder if I would even still be following Jesus
Creation Fest are running an emergency crowdfunding campaign to raise £60,000 by 7pm on Wednesday 12 November. I urge you to prayerfully consider donating, or Creation Fest will no longer be able to run. If you are able, please head to their website and sow into the stories that have been impacted by Creation Fest - and the stories that are yet to be told.
Cornwall needs Creation Fest and Creation Fest needs you.
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