Founded August 2004 | Founder Alex Bunker Owner Joel Virgo | |
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Newday is an annual Christian youth festival organised by the Newfrontiers family of churches. Established since August 2004, the event is aimed at young people between the ages of 12 to 19, either Christian or non-Christian.
Contents
Vision
Newday's stated vision is to bring God into the lives of young people through social action. This includes performing voluntary community work during the festival period, worshipping God through music, preachers and prayers.
2004
The first Newday event in 2004 was held at Newark showground, Lincolnshire. At the first event 3500 youths attended. This event was interrupted by torrential rainfall flooding the camp site causing many young people to be evacuated into nearby schools and leisure centres.
2005
In 2005, the launch of Newday and three evening meetings were held at Notts County Stadium, Nottingham. Over 5000 youths attended.
2006
In 2006, Newday was relocated Uttoxeter Racecourse, Staffordshire. Almost 6000 youths attended. Matt Redman did not lead worship but Phatfish continued for a third year running this time joined by South African female singer Siyoli Lusaseni and Evan Rogers, who had previously led worship at Together On A Mission, the annual Newfrontiers leadership conference.
2007
In 2007, Newday was once again at Uttoxeter, Staffordshire with social action and outreach in Derby. The event took place between 2 and 7 August and over 6000 youths attended.
2008
In 2008, Newday was again at Uttoxeter, Staffordshire. The event took place between 2 and 7 August and approximately 7000 youths attended. During the event 315 people converted to Christianity and £112,000 was raised. This year, Matt Redman did not appear but instead Lou Fellingham (lead singer of Phatfish), took over the role of leading worship alongside Simon Brading and Paul Oakley.
2009
In 2009, Newday moved to Norfolk Showground, Norwich and was held between 1 and 6 August. Approximately 7000 people attended the 2009 event. At Newday 2009, 361 Christians committed their lives to Jesus for the first time. Paul Oakley retired from worship leading in 2008, with Simon Brading and Lou Fellingham continuing the worship leading this year. Jordan Dillon joined Simon Brading on the main stage leading worship. On the Tuesday night, Matt Redman joined Lou and Phatfish for a celebratory night of worship and songs. This was his first appearance since 2007 and 4th overall at the Newday festival.
2010
Newday 2010 was held at Norfolk Showground again, although a week later than the previous year due to the preceding Scouting Jamboree which took place at the showground, meaning it ran from 11 to 16 August.
2011
Newday was once again held at the Norfolk showground, from 1–6 August, with delegates leaving on 7th.
2012
Newday this year was pushed back to 13–18 August due to the London 2012 Olympics. Gigs this year were discontinued in favour of the Lime Lounge which features upcoming talent. Becoming the longest-running site for the event, Norfolk Showground was the host of Newday 2012.
2013
In 2013, Newday took place 29 July - 4 August. 2,000 young people served Norfolk and surrounding towns with voluntary social action.
2014
Newday took place 28 July - 2 August, at Norfolk Showground for the 6th year running. Social action projects focused on asking a one question survey to towns and villages across Norfolk as part of the Who Cares? initiative. Over 700 people made first time commitments or re-commitments to God and a record-breaking £140,000 was raised in the offering to be used in Zimbabwe and in other places around the world.
2015
Newday 2015 took place 3–8 August at Norfolk Showground.
2016 & 2017
Newday has a contract with Norfolk Showground to continue there until 2017.
Discography
During the festival, a live album is often recorded. These are released annually, the first was titled Newday 2004 (2004) released after the first festival, with You Reign (2005), Shout From The Roof (2006), Let The Rain Come (2007), This Is Life (2008), No Shout Too Loud (2009) and King Of Nations (2010)and We Are Yours (2011) following in subsequent years.
Entertainment
Newday offers a variety of different entertainment for its youth.
There have been several cafés or bars, open daily from 1:30pm til 6pm, and after the main meeting:
Other activities include: