Festival of Stars 2022: creative arts event inspires communities

On 10 September 2022, the Pavilion Sports Field in Hatherly Lane, Cheltenham, came alive with a fun-packed day of creativity at the Festival of Stars.

This popular free event, hosted by Cheltenham Chrisitan Arts Festival, offered a fantastic array of activities for everyone in the county to come along and enjoy. Whether it was listening to the music bands, Performing Arts for children or iSingPOP, watching dance groups, taking part in the many art and sports activities, or having a go at the Open Mic, there was something for everyone – even pets weren’t forgotten, with a number of clever pooches sharing their talents in a dog show.

Nikki Seville, Project Leader, says, “Festival of Stars went up a notch from last year’s event. The location was great. There was an incredibly friendly atmosphere across the field and a real sense of fun, enjoyment and community. You could see the real sense of pride and enjoyment, particularly from the youngsters taking part.

“We were made to feel at home from arrival onwards and the festival volunteers and staff truly are a credit to the local community and the town. In what was a difficult and weird time for the country, this event helped bring everyone together at a time of national uncertainty. It was refreshing and uplifting how upfront performers were about their faith and relationship with Christ, which was witnessed by a wide cross-section of communities taking part. We truly lived up to our mission to provide creative arts for everyone to inspire communities for the glory of God.”

“This is a phenomenal and unique opportunity to share about Jesus in the local community through professional Christian Arts which we felt privileged to be a part of. The presence of Jesus was tangible.”

Nikki Ferris, Riverside Performing Arts.

“The need for and importance of presenting a real, lived experience of relationship with Christ; the relevance and support and stories to be found in the Bible – without shame – with passion – so needed and quite rare. I didn’t fully realize how impactful this was until I heard, saw and was surprised. It needs to become more ‘normal’ – it may be the 1st or only time people get to hear this. I loved that there were Bibles being given out – even if they’re put away for years – they are in the home and will find their time of surfacing.”

Janina Karpinska, Creative Arts Facilitator.

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