20,000 turn out for Greenbelt

The mixed weather wasn’t enough to stop the fun at this year’s Greenbelt.

Some 20,000 people turned out for this year’s festival at the Cheltenham Racecourse over the Bank Holiday weekend.

The varied programme offered the crowds talks on theology, politics and economics, as well as comedy, literature, family-orientated entertainment and music.

This year’s theme was Dreams of Home and the line-up brought together a variety of performers, artists and speakers including Billy Bragg, Rob Bell and Pete Rollins.

Andy Turner, Chair of Trustees, was pleased with this year's festival.

“So many festivalgoers – young and old, regulars and first-timers – have stopped me to share what a provoking, inspring and fun time they’ve had at this year’s festival.

“It’s been a potent combination of faith, creative art and social justice, bringing the best and brightest minds to our temporary Gloucestershire home.”

Paul Northup, Greenbelt's head of content and director of Greenbelt 2012, said this year’s festival had seen the “strongest Greenbelt mainstage bill for years”.

“Our programme has been rich with highlights, delights and surprises. Our new approach for children has resulted in an amazing family feel to this year's Greenbelt, and artists like Billy Bragg, Don Letts, Get Cape Wear Cape Fly have seen the potential of the Greenbelt audience to change their communities and wider society,” he said.

Northup continued, “From a personal point of view, Mark Thomas imploring his 3,000-strong audience to be the catalyst for peace in the Middle East was a moment of real power, and a memory to savour on the journey home.”

The festival was brought to a close on Monday night by gospel legend Mavis Staples, the Unthanks, Ron Sexsmith and Kate Rusby.

During the communion service on Sunday morning, more than £46,000 was raised for Trust Greenbelt, which will go towards arts, faith and justice projects throughout the UK.