Why a Beer Festival in a Church?
churchadmin2023-05-18T12:18:09+01:00
Our decision to host the Old Town Beer Festival at Christ Church is rooted in our commitment to fostering community engagement, offering hospitality to all, regardless of race or creed, and providing a space for open dialogue and understanding.
We recognise the importance of connecting with our wider community beyond traditional religious activities. By hosting concerts, festivals and other events on our site, we seek to create an inclusive and welcoming environment that appeals to a wide range of visitors, including those who may not typically engage with religious institutions. These events serve as a bridge between the church and the community, promoting dialogue, understanding, and unity.
We have celebrated 10 years of beer festivals on our site and always seek to ensure that our visitors respect the church and grounds. We employ professional security to remind people of the sensitivities involved and regularly assess how we can improve our organisation and communication.
The church and its grounds are for everyone. Outside of Festival days, we are open every day for visitors to come and remember, reflect, or simply enjoy the quiet atmosphere. For a few days of the year, our grounds host a joyous and vibrant gathering of local people who enjoy local beers, music and meeting friends. We do advertise the events widely so that our community knows what to expect. We don’t receive grants or subsidies from the Anglican church or Government. All the funds needed to keep our church and its work in the community going, are provided by regular donations, legacies and fundraising. Our congregation, Friends and event supporters provide vital funds each year to ensure that the Church is always available for everyone. Whether it be for regular worship, weddings, funerals, christenings, festivals,concerts or just quiet reflection at a loved ones resting place. Events like the Beer and Jazz festivals provide a large portion of our income. Without them and the significant contribution made by the Community Centre itself, we would struggle to survive.
Each year, we meet, following the festival, to discuss how we can improve our organisation and what we could do differently. We hosted more than 1,200 local people to this year’s festival and the vast majority have been very positive about the event. We do take note of those who disagree and do everything that we can to explain what and why we are doing it.
Join us to hear from 
Join us to hear from The Revd Susan Durber URC Minister, World Council of Churches President from Europe and Moderator of the Faith and Order Commission. 
Join us to hear from The Very Revd Dr Mandy Ford, Dean of Bristol Cathedral. 
Come and hear the varied music programme at the Swindon Music Festival, starting tonight at 6.30 in Christ Church with 4 adult choirs, 3 church choirs (including Christ Church), 9 solo singers (including Caroline Pitt), 5 brass players and 3 organists.