A Christian presence at the electronic dance music festival Creamfields in Daresbury continues to be a blessing to both the Church volunteers and festival-goers alike.
During the hottest August Bank Holiday on record over 60 volunteers from across the Diocese of Chester and the Diocese of Liverpool, came together to serve the revellers at Creamfields Festival. Held each year at Daresbury in the Deanery of Great Budworth, the electronic music festival attracts over 70,000 people. This is the third year that there has been an official Christian presence on the site. Over the course of the weekend, volunteers gave out in excess of 4000 litres of water and 2,800 Jammy Dodgers.
Jonny Masters, Diocesan Youth, Children and Families' Missioner and member of the planning team said: "Record temperatures meant that we saw a lot of heat exhaustion, sunburn and dehydration this year. We worked very hard to get water to those who needed it and were moved by how grateful people were for our help."
This year the organisers of Creamfields approached the planning team to ask them to double their presence and will be in discussion in the coming year to see how their presence might be further expanded in the future.
Planning Team Leader the Revd Jane Proudfoot said: "Our ecumenical team of volunteers have been brilliant. They’ve had incredible conversations, funny moments, moving experiences, eye-opening, heart-rending, godly encounters and I know that the blessing has been mutual - they have been a blessing and they have received blessing from those they have helped. There have been some really difficult things that some of our team have dealt with, they have gone the extra mile to help and care. Their faith and trust in what God has been doing through them at Creamfields is amazing!"
New volunteer Melanie said: "I was nervous and excited going, but surprised myself for feeling part of the team and comfortable talking to people. It was just such a joy and privilege to work with beautifully blessed and like-minded people and with the festival-goers who were just so appreciative and surprised to get free biscuits, water and kindness."
More volunteers will be needed next year and full training is given. The only requirement is that you enjoy meeting people and are a good listener. The team are grateful for the donations from churches across the diocese that enable this mission. If you would like to donate, get involved in volunteering or to find out more, please contact the planning team.