Thousands of Christians heading for Southport



TICKETS for this year's Salvation Army Roots festival in Southport (May 2-5) are now on sale.

The Christian festival will see thousands from across the country descended on the resort for "faith, worship, prayer, bible study, lectureship, fellowship and fun".

Attractions include entertainment in the Big Top arena and a Cafe Church, there will also be a new free event, which will take place on Sunday 4 May between 2.30pm and 5.30pm.

The idea of the Going Public Festival is to open up the event to people from Sefton and West Lancashire. Events include music, drama, puppets, face painting, balloon making, fancy dress, games, and a bouncy castle. 

The activities will be run by the Roots team and delegates and entrance to the festival will be free.

People from various Christian denominations are welcome.

During the weekend internationally-renowned speakers will include Jeff Lucas, who will bring his own unique and humorous teaching style, and Shane Claiborne - founder of the Simple Way Movement in America.

Roots 2008 also welcomes Nims Obunge, founder of the Peace Alliance and Phil Wall who is CEO of Signify, a management consultancy, founder of Hope HIV and co-founder of Roots.

Organiser Russell Rook said: "'Going Public' is not so much a statement as an all encompassing vision that consumes the whole of our lives. Through it we'll look at some of the world's challenges, reflect upon the early followers of Christ and remind ourselves that things don't need to be this way, the world can be different and with Christ there is an alternative possibility."

A family pass, including two adults and up to four immediate children, costs £180 for the four days of the event which runs for the weekend of 2 to 5 May 2008 before any discount is applied. If you book before the end of this month a family ticket will cost £175.50 - saving £4.50.

Full priced Individual tickets cost £85 per adult, £70 concessions and £65 for 18s and under, for the full four days. Concessions count for students, unemployed, single parents, Salvation Army officers, cadets and senior citizens. Again discounts apply.

A campsite pitch costs £50 or £85 with an electrical connection.

Accommodation is also available through Pontins. Please ring the booking and information line on 0845 450 4565 for more details.

Sponsorship is available for people who would otherwise be unable to afford to come to the event.



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