The organisers of a popular Cumbrian event say it is set to go ahead this summer.
The team behind Keswick Convention say it will take place during a three-week period from July 17 to August 6 following last year’s cancellation due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
David Sawday, chief operating officer for Keswick Ministries, said: “We’re looking forward to this year’s convention though we’re also mindful that, due to COVID, it will be a different year than normal.
“We’ll be planning a range of measures to make sure we comply with safety guidelines and to keep people safe. We’re proceeding with caution, flexibility and optimism.”
One of the significant changes is that rather than operating from one main tent, as it has done for many years, there will be more medium-sized venues to allow for social distancing measures.
Speakers and song worship will present from a main stage in the Packing Hall on the Pencil Factory site with services relayed to other marquees and venues on the site and elsewhere in the town as usual.
Youth activity will be held in the newly-refurbished ground floor meeting areas of the Pencil Factory building.
A Families Together morning slot will be introduced for children under the age of 11 and their families. The sessions replace the traditional Keswick4Kids morning programme.
Registration, for individual events, is also set to be introduced for adults as well as children and youth activities.
Teaching events such as the morning Bible readings, seminars and evening celebrations will also be streamed on the Virtually Keswick Convention website for those who would rather join the convention from their holiday venue or from home or want to catch up later.
James Robson, ministry director, said: “We know that Conventioners are looking forward to meeting again when lockdown is eased.
“We want to welcome them with a programme that is as near normal as possible in the circumstances, though there will be some changes and extra precautions in place.”
