News Release

Issued 1.7.10                For immediate use

Youth festival to rock cathedral

The ancient walls of Ripon Cathedral will rock to the sound of hip-hop and ska music this month when hundreds of young people descend from around the region for a major youth festival.

Gracefest, from Saturday July 17th to Sunday July 18th, will combine cutting edge contemporary rock and pop acts with arts workshops, speakers, and activities for young people from Leeds to Darlington who will camp in the Cathedral grounds throughout the weekend.

The festival, which is aimed at 14 – 21 year-olds , will host some of the foremost Christian music acts and speakers from around the country including  hip-hop act ‘thebandwithnoname’, and speaker and writer , Adrian Plass.  There will be ongoing worship throughout the weekend alongside workshops and activities and music from local musicians and artists.

On Saturday 17th  July, Ripon Cathedral will host a ‘Rave in the Nave’  which organisers say will combine elements of the club scene with 21st century Christianity. There is a focus on ethical action with local and national charities including Together4Peace, Refugee Education and Training Advisory Service, Christian Aid and Amnesty running workshops and stands, while Traidcraft will also have a store running throughout the weekend.

Gracefest will even invade Sunday morning worship. ‘Sounds of Salvation’, described as a ‘ten piece, high octane, Christian ska band’ will provide the music during a radical contemporary service which will be attended by the usual congregation as well as festival-goers.

The festival is the peak of over a year’s worth of planning backed by several denominations. The event is headed up by twenty-year-old students Jason Lowe and Grace Sinclair who are supported by a team fifteen strong.  They said, "We are excited to be running a festival that serves people from many different backgrounds in a place where Christians have offered worship for over 1300 years. We are enabling people to discuss faith and apply it to modern society."

The Archdeacon of Richmond, Ven. Janet Henderson said, "I welcome this wonderful opportunity for young people from around the region to meet to explore their faith.  They will be camping in the grounds of Ripon Cathedral, enjoying some of the best contemporary Christian music, worshipping together and celebrating.  The whole event has been organised by young people for young people and (even as someone in my 50s!) I look forward to joining in!"

Weekend camping can be pre-booked for £5 while the cost will be £7 on the door. Day tickets are also available for the same costs. More information and booking forms are available on the website www.gracefest.org.uk