‘I lost my Faith in God a long time ago, but this week has been something special and has restored my faith’ Toby, Germany
‘Amazing week! Worth every penny so bring on Finland!’ Tom, England
Preston held this year’s international youth festival. The main venue was Our Lady’s Catholic High School, Fulwood, where all main activities took place. Young people from 15-20 took part from England, Germany and Finland. Ecumenical and Social events, with workshops lasting throughout the week, brought young people together and celebrate this years theme ‘Being Young’.
Easter Monday saw a rush to get the school ready for our guests, with classrooms being transformed into bedrooms within 2 hours! 80 nervous faces came into the school and were invited to create their own IYF T-shirts to take home with them.
Tuesday included an intense international bowling session at Lakeside Super Bowl ,the evening session was a Celidih, however some of the English group blamed the Chelsea game for their inability to keep up with Terry.
On Wednesday, the group visited a Hindu Temple in Preston, and others decided to have a wander around the city centre. Some of the guests were most curious at the red phone boxes! which was followed by a very nice hot pot. The evening was gratefully presented by the ‘One Voice Choir’, whom got the whole group singing and dancing until late in the evening.
Thursday was all about a trip to Liverpool. Some people viewed the Slave Trade exhibition, whilst others had a look around Liverpool One, and bought gifts to take back with them. The Evening Meal was at the Phantom Winger, with a very nice atmosphere and an intense pool session later.The last day of the Festival saw an end to the workshops. All these workshops were presented at the final mass of the festival. The Mass included Drama, Music, African Drumming, Art, Dance and Prayers written by young people. The evening was a disco held at St. Anthony’s Social Club and everyone who had helped make the festival possible was thanked, followed by a very long applause. We would like to thank Lancashire Young Peoples Youth Opportunities Fund in Preston for financial support to the Arts Project on the festival, Cafod Lancaster,Cafod Development Education Fund for financial support Global Workshop on the festival.
Saturday saw a very tired group of Germans head back home, but the Finnish people stayed an extra day to watch PNE thrash Cardiff 6-0! Proper Football! The foreign groups were also taught very peculiar phrases in English by Terry, such as:
‘I’ve got two words to think about: Are we Human?’
‘Right guys! This applies particularly to…everyone.’
On July 3rd Young People are invited to celebrate the end of school year with a Youth Mass at St. Anthony’s Church, Preston, followed by a Disco at the social club. Please see ‘http://prestoncys.blogspot.com/#ymass’ for more info
Shaun Morgan
