Newday Christian festival wraps up in Norwich

By David Keller
BBC Norfolk

Advertisement

Newday took place for the second time in Norfolk

Around 7,000 young Christians turned out for the 2010 Newday festival at the Norfolk Showground in Norwich, between 11 and 16 August.

The festival's second year in Norfolk included live music, sport, worship and community projects around the county.

Social tasks included gardening and fence painting, in collaboration with the local police and churches.

"The young people have really enjoyed themselves," said Newday's Matt Simmonds.

"They've come from all over the country... it's quite a big moment in the year for them," he added.

Each afternoon of the festival, groups of 400 to 500 people carried out practical tasks in the local area, visiting Mile Cross in Norwich, Aylsham, Thetford and Lowestoft.

"More people from local churches have come and joined us, so we're really beginning to engage with the local communities," said Matt.

"More and more we tried to get out into the city, into other towns and share our faith in a practical way," he added.

The eighth Newday festival, aimed at 12 to 19-year-olds, is set to return to the Norfolk Showground in 2011.