An astonishing 20,000 people attended this year's Kirkstall Festival in the picturesque grounds of 12th century Kirkstall Abbey.
During the festival around 150 people came to a church service in the Abbey ruins, and were taken aback as the Revd Nigel Sinclair cycled down the aisle to give his address. The Revd Stephen Kaye, who led the service, says, “Coming just after Le Grand Départ of the Tour de France, the service took the theme of travelling. It provided an opportunity to retreat from the madding crowds and enter an ancient place of worship to praise God. With the bustle of life in close proximity it was a fitting ending to an amazing festival.”
The service was held by Abbey Churches Together and several Christian denominations took part (including the Revds Nigel Sinclair and Stephen Kaye from the Abbeylands Team Ministry). Rachel Reeves MP read from Isaiah 40 and there was lively music from the Leeds Central Salvation Army Band.
Kirkstall Festival is the largest community festival in Leeds and is run entirely by volunteers. Stephen Kaye says, “Kirkstall Abbey is a fantastically atmospheric setting and the numbers increase year on year as word spreads about what a great festival it is. Next year’s is on Saturday 11 July - don't miss it!”