Crowds flock to Christian show in East Anglia
By Keith Morris
From a clergy fashion show to an ecclesiastical karaoke machine, the first-ever
Christian Resources Exhibition in the
Eastern Region took place at
Exec in
Peterborough from
February 24 to
26.
Around 140 exhibitors, plus a full range of seminars and entertainment shows accompany the three-day event - put on by the people behind the well-known CRE event at Sandown in Surrey.
Over 1,100 people, including scores from Norfolk, flocked through the doors on the first day alone, according to spokesman, Stephen Goddard: “We hope that more than anything else, people walk out of the door saying ‘the church is alive, it is thriving in many places and here are the resources to help it do so’. It is also the coming together of the family of God from many, many denominations who are encouraged to go on with their pursuits for the future.
“Exhibitors have included everything from clergy vestments with our Clergy on the Catwalk fashion show, which was picked up widely by the media, through to an ecclesiastical karaoke player which, if you are struggling to find a church organist, you just plug it in and at the flick of a button it plays 3,000 hymns. Also everything from candles to communion wine as well – everything that has to do with the life of the church seven days a week.”
A full seminar programme, plus performances from theatre groups, musicians and comedians, were also on offer.
“The real highlight for us is seeing the exhibitors thrilled with the response from local people – that is the one that really counts,” said Stephen.
Click on the audio clip above to hear more about the event
www.creonline.co.uk
