East Anglia: Ignite Youth Festival returns with burst of energy

Scene from The Lion King

Source: Diocese of East Anglia

The Ignite Youth Festival returned to the Sacred Heart Primary School in Swaffham, Norfolk this year, with an extravaganza of light, sound and teenage enthusiasm.

Professional Christian comedian Tony Vino kicked off the weekend, having learned to sing during lockdown, or at least to hold up the words in time to music. He followed with an impromptu staging of the Knights of the Round Table, with Fr Luke Goymour, cast in the role of King Arthur, being slain by Sir Lancelot after a dramatic sword fight.

Costumes and masks then came out for a version of The Lion King, climaxing in the lighting of flares on Pride Rock and a shower of colour from oversize party poppers.

Supper followed, and a chance to unwind outside on the basketball court and the climbing frames, or the socialise back at the tents. Hamish meanwhile provided a briefing for a strong team of assistants, which included Phil and Rosemary Walters leading prayer for the teenagers and other helpers organising meals and keeping an eye on security around the site.

The evening then continued in a more reflective mood with gentle worship, and some original songs, as well as others which were well known. Fr Luke then took the microphone, speaking about restoration of relationships through Christ and telling a parable about a judge who, after imposing a fine, paid it himself for a man in the dock whom he recognised as an old friend.

After Fr Luke had brought in the Blessed Sacrament, Ignite Team Leader Ciaran Losasso led an examination of conscience, walking the young people through the implications of the command to love God and love neighbour, and encouraging the young people to be honest. "When you get the primary relationship right, everything else pales into insignificance," he said.

Six priests were available for confession, and when Ciaran gave the signal there was such as response that he had to slow the teenagers down, encouraging some to stay in Adoration while others queued to speak to a priest.

The festival continued on Sunday, with Bishop Alan Hopes celebrating a Mass for the teenagers. Overall, Diocesan Youth Director Hamish McQueen was encouraged to see numbers nearly back to pre-pandemic levels, with 170 people on site, including a variety of adult helpers.

To see a Flickr gallery of the festival visit: www.flickr.com/photos/dioceseofeastanglia/sets/72177720298602064/