The biggest Christian festival London has seen, expected to bring together 20,000 to 30,000 people in the first year, is being launched by Share Jesus International for Pentecost next year.

The organisers have their eyes set on a vast, innovative mission project with a dream of taking this Pentecost Festival to about 100,000 people in the capital by the time of the 2012 Olympics.

There is great excitement at the idea of launching something much bigger and better than Easter People, the last one of which is currently taking place. The same kind of risk-taking enthusiasm and adrenalin-rush is evident as was found in the launch of Easter People, says the director of Share Jesus International, Methodist minister the Rev. Dr Rob Frost.

The adventure will not finish with Easter People. Whereas Easter People has been a celebration of the risen Christ, the Pentecost Festival will be focused on mission and dedicated to taking the Gospel to the heart of the capital for a weekend of showing the world and society that the Church of the 21^st century "has a rich tapestry of creativity".

The aim for May 9-11, 2008 is to create a festival that celebrates Christianity; something like the way the Edinburgh Festival celebrates the arts. The organisers have already received clearance from the Metropolitan Police and Westminster City Council and been promised full support. They are presently negotiating for use of 200 venues in the centre of London according to Dr Frost.

Methodist Recorder

12.4.07

www.pentecostfestival.co.uk/