Hundreds of young people attended a special Christian youth event in Keswick at the weekend.

It is the second year that The Big One has been held at the Keswick Pencil Factory and included inflatables, a computer gaming zone, sports, crafts, a silent disco and a performance by UK Christian rap artist Feed’Em.

The event was organised by the Diocese of Carlisle’s Network Youth Church leaders and was held on Saturday 28 September. It saw 260 young people - aged between 11 and 16 - attend for an afternoon and evening of fun, games, friendship, food and faith.

Andy Ward, co-organiser and Barrow Network Youth Church leader, said: “We’re really excited that this year 260 young people have come along. That means we’ve grown by 50 per cent on last year’s figures and we’re excited to see what’s going to happen in the future.

“We have two outcomes from this event. One is that young people feel that they are not alone, that they’re part of something bigger and that actually Christianity is not just the twos and threes they see each week. Secondly, we want those who attend to hear more about the Gospel and be invited into a relationship with Jesus.”

The event has been months in the planning, with young people attending from across the county including Barrow, Kendal, west Cumbria, the Eden Valley and from in and around Carlisle.

Christian musician Feed’Em, who travelled up from London to perform, said: “It was so inspirational to hear how everyone is scattered about in different rural areas, yet they are brought together as one big family for this event. I look forward to seeing them fill up this space, to gather, to get to know each other a little more and to learn about faith.”

Click here to view a short film of The Big One 2024.

ENDS

Notes to editors

The Network Youth Church currently operates in eight of the 11 deaneries across the Diocese of Carlisle, with recruitment ongoing to cover all deaneries. It connects with 3,000 young people each month.

For further information contact Dave Roberts, Diocesan Head of Communications, on 07469 153658 or at communications@carlislediocese.org.uk.