Brean Children & Young People's Eucharistic Festival 2010

It had been decided to celebrate ten years of the See of Ebbsfleet, when our dear friend Bishop John Richards died. Although the celebrations were cancelled, it was decided by the Bishop of Ebbsfleet's Priest's Council not to cancel the planned Children and Young People's Celebration.

This quickly became The Ebbsfleet Children and Young People's Eucharistic Festival, and led to the problem of where to hold such an event. The organising committee set up by the Bishop considered many options, until finally it was agreed to hold the event at Brean Leisure Parks, Burnham on Sea in Somerset. The site had the advantage of being very nearly in the centre of the Apostolic District and having many attractions to delight children of all ages.

For the first year the Bingo Hall was used for worship and sandwiches, and the 300 children, young people and their leaders and parents filled it nicely.

When it was decided to go ahead with the Festival for a 2nd year, no one had any idea how many would turn up. Everyone was taken by surprise when over 500 children and 150 leaders and parents booked! The Bingo Hall was no where near large enough and hasty negotiations were began with the people at Brean. The Night Club would do very well, and the authorities at Brean were anxious to assist.

Such large numbers of children and young people present in one place produces its own problems, however everyone enjoys the day. Fun is the key-word, and fun is what happens.

Beginning with Mass, we eat your packed lunches or purchase food from one of the many outlets on site. Then we all go to one of the two large Fun Fairs.

Normal cost for admission to all the rides for the afternoon would be £20 per person, but we have brought this down to £5 per person. Donations, support from Church societies and charities as well as help from the Ebbsfleet Parishes and the Bishop's Mission Fund make this possible; and the organisers are grateful for all the help received from so many, especially CBS and Forward in Faith.

At about 4:30pm everyone assembles for Benediction and distribution of the "Take-Home Goodie Bags", before everyone makes their way home. "Tired but happy" is the phrase on most lips.

It is a tremendous day.

CLICK HERE for Booking form and notes

Running a fund-raiser to support Brean 2010

CLICK HERE for the Brean web site, and for a downloadable poster.