Guest post from Sorted's agony aunt, Jojo Meadows
I’ve been told that life begins at 40, but as I approach this grand age,
the idea alarms me a little. Why? Well, I wonder whether previous years count
if life begins at 40. But of course they do! In nearly 40 years of being on
this earth, I have been shaped, moulded and altered by my former years and
experiences. (PS, I’m not dead yet, although the phrase “former years” makes it
sound like I’ve already popped my clogs!)
The same could be said for Greenbelt’s journey. The arts, faith and justice festival has
embraced the idea of turning 40, growing gracefully and victoriously though its
own conquests and challenges.
Greenbelt is held every August bank holiday weekend at Cheltenham Racecourse. Enriched by the beautiful surrounding area, this sprawling piece of
land is turned into an animated community hub with a fresh vibe. The exclusive Racecourse
accommodates 20,000 like-minded
people, many of whom have travelled from far and
wide to be part of this creative, abstract and non-denominational festival.
A variety of individuals, independent groups, non-denominational churches
and established denominations come together each year.
Festivalgoers relish the opportunity to explore and expand their faith and knowledge through creative
art or inspiring talks that are primarily focused on spirituality and social
justice.
Greenbelt’s
got talent
This year, the weekend kicked off at five pm on the Friday with a dynamic
array of acts. Popular comedian Milton Jones was on top form, as always. Renowned
for his appearances on Mock the Week
and Live at the Apollo, his ability to
woo the audience with his waggish swagger is memorable to say the least.
Peter Rollins also impressed at the Jerusalem Venue, captivating his
audience with deep theological circumlocution. Peter was enticing, dishing out
a “taster” of what was to come; preparing the ears of his listeners and critics
for the main talk on ‘Divine Decay: Living the ‘Death’ of God’ at the Big Top.
Folk On stormed the Mainstage and their combined wit and ability to
entertain teens and the elderly alike made for excellent viewing. They even
encouraged the crowd to have an old-fashioned sing-along. These comedy heroes
have influenced Milton Jones as much as he has them.
Bottles and
buddies
The Jesus Arms, or in the words of Ben Jones (a member of Ikon) ‘Back in the arms of Jesus’, proved to be a beer tent with a difference. On
sale were spirits, cider and ale, with apt names such as ‘Jonah and the Ale’ chosen
by various punters and workers. It was all in very good taste!
For me, Greenbelt was like going from home to home. I met old friends
and made new ones, feeling really comfortable in my own skin. The friendliness
of others caused me to feel like I belonged. As a single mother, I would say that
whether you are married, dating or single, do not allow insecurity or intimidation
to deter you from going. It is more or less impossible not to feel welcomed in
this streamlined and seamless festival, which houses an aromatic throng of
creative, opinionated, arty, dexterous and thoughtful souls.
Get together
As I walked around, breathing in the celebratory atmosphere, it was
clear to me that this is how festival life should be. Actually, it is how everyday
life should be lived. There was no strife, no angst, no collision of opinion
without a respectful response, and people seemed happy to be around one another
and accept people regardless of who they were. The atmosphere was enriched with
different views, yet somehow the reverence bestowed was not about religion; it
was about a unity of love and a meditative understanding that we can all
celebrate and join together as a community.
One community that really caught my eye was Belfast-based Ikon, which
facilitated a deeply creative act of worship entitled ‘The End’. While walking
into a dark and deeply mysterious room, each of us was given a balloon, which symbolised
our own lives. We then had to attach the balloon to a body part or item of
clothing. Either the number ‘1’ or the word ‘one’ was written on the balloon.
We walked into a sultry atmosphere knowing that a thought-provoking
experience that tantalised our sensory abilities awaited us. The delivery was
as good as expected; combining a fresh blend of visual imagery, theatre and
interaction with the audience. When interviewing a couple as they walked out, one
described it as “a form of art within worship that has caused me to want to
step out of what I know and look and reflect with a new ideology”.
Black and
light
Another event that caused a stir was the Gothic Eucharist, which took
place in the Aspire Venue. A choir called nChant, all dressed in black, led the
worship and engaged with the 400 people who turned up. Despite being an
‘outsider’ on the surface, I wasn’t treated this way at all. In fact, I was
very much included in the beautifully mysterious gothic worship and communion.
The worship consisted of a deep tribal drumbeat with a medieval chant that
brought shivers to my soul. I started to come alive, stirring up dark things
that I had suppressed, bringing them to the fore so that I could reflect upon
and deal with them.
The main service was led by Skye Denno and three assistants, having been
written by Skye’s husband Joel. Their intention was clear as they talked with
passion and zeal about their convictions. The talk was based on the four
elements: fire, water, earth and air and each priest took one of these elements.
Three readings took place and the communion table sat prominently in the
middle of the room. Various ‘alternative’ representatives from around the
country helped to distribute the sacraments to symbolise unity. Everyone was
treated equally, whether they presented themselves as ‘traditional’ or
‘alternative’.
Pennie Ley, who participated in the prayers during the communion,
explained how much support and love she and others had received. Friends and family
of Sophie Lancaster (who was tragically murdered six years ago after defending
her boyfriend from a group of people who were taunting the pair for dressing
differently) regularly attend to remember who Sophie was and to celebrate her
legacy.
Surprisingly, after optional baptismal vows were offered, followed by
the ancient tradition of sprinkled water with rosemary, one girl stepped
forward asking to be baptised properly. She wasn’t disappointed.
A house away
from home
A new venue I stumbled across this year was the GTV Treehouse. GTV has
been on site for five years, filming and capturing short talks, acoustic music
events and punters’ opinions on the festival. However, over the last few years,
Greenbelt’s organisers have revealed a bigger and better vision for GTV. As a
result, the setup was a little different this year. Walking into the blackout
studio space, it felt like a really intimate venue. The grass was soft underfoot
and birds were tweeting in the background, and the set was kitted out like a traditional
tree house, with fresh wood and naked bulbs aplenty.
Speakers gave short talks on themes such as, ‘I raise a glass...’ and ‘When
I am 40, I hope…’. There was also an eclectic mix of discussions on subjects
such as storytellers, godless churches, Gandhi, eating as a subversive activity
and failure. Evenings at the Treehouse featured a host of lyrical music, poetry
sessions and conversational panels on women in the church.
The venue is unique as everything is pre-filmed, which provided a
relaxed atmosphere for the audience, but with acts such as Martyn Joseph,
Miriam Jones, Alice Wroe and Sanderson Jones on hand, we were kept
entertained with a host of witty anecdotes and stories. The talks and
music events will be posted on the website as free podcasts throughout the year
for people who couldn’t attend the festival and for use in churches, so don’t
forget to take a look.
And… breathe…
One service I really have to applaud is St John Ambulance. Its staff
patrolled the length and breadth of the festival day and night, catering for
every incident. They were so attentive and professional in their duty, and I
had first-hand experience of this. While walking some distance from the main
arena, I had a sudden asthma attack. Two St John patrollers were walking by and
could see my struggle. They practically carried me to the medical centre, where
I was treated immediately. They monitored me after the attack and had someone
watch me the whole time.
As I sat with a mask over my mouth, breathing in the oxygen and
treatment, I started to reflect on Greenbelt and how it originated, as well as
the trials and tribulations it has encountered. I felt so honoured to be part
of this 40th birthday celebration. So thank you Greenbelt for persisting in the
face of adversity and for bringing a fresh, dynamic approach.
Best for last
The weekend was packed with an array of delights; the ‘gold’ glistened
like a pirate’s booty. Within the treasure stores were the likes of Lemar,
Clare Balding, Pip Wilson, Gareth Higgins, Steve Chalke and Fat and Frantic.
Then,
as a finale for Greenbelt’s spectacular 40th birthday celebrations (almost like
the icing on the birthday cake) came Belfast’s very own Duke Special, a
talented singer/songwriter whose lyrics draw you in as though you are a musical
note or a word uttered from his own mouth. Duke’s stage presence, along with
the full Greenbelt orchestra, made it feel like a warm portion of sunshine had
collided with the stage.
A DVD showcasing Greenbelt’s history is now available here, and I would
highly recommend that you buy it.
Read more from Jojo in Sorted magazine - click here to buy your September-October issue today.
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