More than 1000 people did not exactly “turn out” – instead they stayed at home to take part in this year's Greenbelt festival, dubbed “Wild at Home” by the organisers, which included Sunday's “Great Big Festival Picnic”.
After physical gatherings for 46 years, this year’s performances, talks and liturgies were streamed to Christians in their own homes, with some including footage from previous years.
“We are literally the only festival in the world where, right now, you can choose between beer and hymns, a secret gig by a Russian feminist protest punk rocker and a performance art group,” said one social media comment.
To get into the spirit, people pitched tents in their living rooms and gardens. “That was a really wonderful, emotional virtual picnic,” said a participant on twitter after Sunday’s. Many welcomed that this year, there were “no queue for the loos”.
Christina Mottram, a support worker for social responsibility for Leicester Church of England diocese, participated, alongside friends who were Student Cross pilgrims.
“I was pleased to be able to dip into some interesting discussions, about the climate change issue - with key voices of young people, and from Africa, “ she reported, “and to listen to a thought-provoking webinar about Mental Health and Safety.”
There was a panel meeting about Palestine, with speakers live from the West Bank, and also a film about life in Gaza. Greenbelt has often highlighted the situation in Palestine as it is the Holy Land of the Bible. Other discussions included “Black Lives Matter” and “20:20 Vision: What might the post-pandemic world look like?”
Ms Mottram said: “Usually Greenbelt has a variety of liturgy. A friend found the compline a special experience, but I found the Radio 4 Morning Service much more evocative – with beautiful music, poetry and prayer.” She added: “It was a bit like the Greenbelt Sunday service, but it felt strange watching from home, while cooking lunch, rather than being in a field.”
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