Newday

Newday is a Christian youth festival that takes place in the heart of the UK, with thousands of young people camping over about 6 days. It is run by Newfrontiers and occurs annually, starting in August 2004. It is renowned for healings, prophesies, powerful preaches and fantastic worship lead by worship leaders such as Simon Brading, Paul Oakley, Phatfish, and Matt Redman. Newday is lead by Joel Virgo son of Terry Virgo.

History

In 2004 it was held in Newark, Lincolnshire. This event was interrupted by torrential rainfall flooding the camp site. Many young people were evacuated into nearby schools and leisure centres. 2005 saw the launch of Newday at the stadium, where for three evenings meetings were held at Notts County Stadium in Nottingham. In 2006 almost 6000 people attended. The location moved to Uttoxeter Race Course and has been there ever since. This year (2007) over 6000 people attended. It was once again held at Uttoxeter with social action and outreach in Derby. Speakers included Joel Virgo, Terry Virgo, Adrian Holloway and Stef Liston. It occurred between 2nd and 7th August 2007, and the dates will remain the same for next year (2008). The venue will remain the same.

Rain

Many of those attending often comment on the amount of rain that seems to fall every year. This was especially highlighted in 2005 with severe flooding, when an evacuation was necessary. Every year it has rained at Newday, although this is seen by many as an act of God. In a meeting at the first Newday, after everyone had returned from evacuation, a women got up on stage and gave a prophecy. As she got up on stage it started raining and she said that the rain was sent by God to symbolise the youth pouring down on the area (Nottingham). When she got off stage it stopped raining. The subject of "rain" (perhaps purposefully ironic?) is linked to many aspects of Newday. Many of the words that people claim are prophetic seem to have mention of rain or flooding/running water.

Vision

The runners of Newday want to bring not only youth back into the church, but to spread the gospel across the nations. An offering is taken each year to help budding christians and the poor across the world and even in Britain. This year (2007), the offering was worth over a hundred thousand pounds. Newday's motto is 'a generation is emerging', referring to the idea that it is the current youth of today who will change the world for God.

Entertainment

Newday offers a variety of different entertainment for its youth. There are four main cafes or bars; the Global Cafe (where you can buy Christian merchandise, odd-flavoured milkshakes and Fairtrade products), the Pink Bar (a cafe for female's where you can have your hair done), Cafe Edge (where you can sit and watch up coming Christian bands) and Cafe Froth (rave till the cows come home). Every night there are gigs of Christian bands. Recently bands such as Phatfish, The Gentlemen and Family Force 5 have performed. You can always participate in The Goldfish Bowl; you do whatever you want in front of a camera and hopefully it will be shown on the big screens in the big top where the main morning and evening meetings are held.

2008

Worship will be lead by Simon Brading, Phatfish and Paul Oakley and speakers include P J Smyth, Adrian Holloway, Stef Liston and Joel Virgo. After three successful gigs at Newday popular band Phatfish, who have led worship every year with another worship leader (Matt Redman in 2004, 2005 and 2007 and South-African based Siyoli Lusaseni in 2006), are back for worship leading only in 2008. It is currently unsure whether lead singer Lou Fellingham will front the main sessions or another worship leader will join them. The gigs have been narrowed down to three from five this year, with yfriday returning for their third concert at Newday. Tree63 and Andy Hunter are appearing for the first time for what will be two much anticipated performances from these sought after Christian artists.

Sources

First hand knowledge www.newday.xtn.org