(Photo: Diocese of Blackburn)
In a vibrant celebration of community and faith, over 1,000 Christians converged in Blackpool to mark the 100th anniversary of the Church of England’s Diocese of Blackburn. This significant gathering, dubbed “The Big Day Out,” unified worshippers from across Lancashire, offering a tapestry of music, activities, and fellowship under the theme “All for Jesus.”
Amidst the iconic Blackpool Tower and Winter Gardens, the event drew not only local parishioners but also intrigued tourists who paused to witness and join the open-air worship and performances. The day featured a rich array of activities, with families engaging in children’s programs at Blackpool Church St John’s, which included singing, storytelling, and crafts focused on Jesus. Meanwhile, a youth zone at St John’s Church of England Primary School provided a lively setting with games, inflatables, and food.
Throughout the day, St John’s Square buzzed with live music and stage performances, creating opportunities for fellowship and dialogue. Participants enjoyed a complimentary hog roast lunch and viewed filmed testimonies from Lancashire Christians sharing their journeys of faith.
The Bishop of Blackburn, Rt Rev Philip North, addressed the gathering with a poignant message: “Jesus sacrifices everything to find you. His plan for you is joy. That’s why Jesus went to the cross; why Jesus risks everything. So, in our centenary year, and every year, we are ‘All for Jesus’ because Jesus is all for us.”
The sense of unity was palpable during the event. Rev Ian Sarginson and Narina Harborne from Buckshaw Village Church near Chorley expressed their delight at the opportunity to unite with fellow Christians in celebration of the Diocese’s milestone anniversary.
Attendees praised the event’s atmosphere and organization. Sally Johnson, parish administrator at Christ Church Thornton, noted the children’s enjoyment of the day’s activities and commended the volunteers for their “patient and kind” demeanor. Rev Grace Gaze from Bowland Benefice described the occasion as “a huge joy,” and Rev Matt Gaze from St Paul’s Hoddlesden and St Barnabas’ Darwen called it “an awesome day.”
The afternoon worship session, led by the Bishop of Lancaster, Rt Rev Dr Jill Duff, alongside Rev Andy Dykes from Blackpool Church St John’s, continued the day’s spiritual momentum. Rev Steve Haskett, Director of Mission for Blackburn Diocese and chair of the organizing committee, reflected on the event as “full of joy, laughter and faith,” extending gratitude to the volunteers and organizers for their dedication.
This celebration is part of a broader series of events throughout 2026, commemorating a century since the Diocese of Blackburn’s establishment. Bishop North shared his hopes for the event’s lasting impact, expressing, “In all the laughter, fun, and conversations, in the acts of welcome and in the worship, there has been a real sense of God’s presence among us.”
He added, “As we look to the future, my prayer is that this day will be deeply significant and encourage us to go on sharing that same hope with confidence – knowing that the love of Jesus Christ is for every person and every community in Lancashire.”
This article was originally written by www.christiantoday.com
