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On the weekend of 3–4 May, nearly 400 young people and leaders from across the Diocese of East Anglia gathered at St Benedict’s Catholic School, Bury St Edmunds, for what proved to be the most powerful and uplifting Ignite Festival yet.
From the outset, the atmosphere was electric. The large festival marquee, filled with anticipation, soon erupted into life thanks to the infectious energy of MCs Alex and Ariana. Their joy set the tone for a weekend of spiritual depth, dynamic talks, passionate praise and worship, and profound encounters with Christ.
The opening session featured Father Frankie Mulgrew, whose blend of comedy and heartfelt faith left a lasting impact. As the son of legendary comedian Jimmy Cricket, Fr Frankie captivated the audience with humour that disarmed and a message that empowered.
Following a hearty dinner provided by the skilled catering team, the Reconciliation Service offered one of the most moving moments of the weekend. Alex Curley-Warren of the Ignite Team shared a personal and vulnerable testimony about God’s mercy and forgiveness. His words prompted many young people to receive the Sacrament of Confession, with priests from across the diocese on hand to welcome them. This outpouring of grace was followed by a joyful celebration, as Fr Alvan led a late-night music session filled with dancing, singing, and gratitude. The evening drew to a serene close with Compline, prayerfully led by Sister Catherine of the Community of Our Lady of Walsingham.
Sunday began with a stirring time of praise and worship, led by the Sybil Collective – a group of Catholic musicians from East Anglia who supported the festival throughout the weekend. What followed was a unique and moving performance from mime artist Steve Murray, whose silent yet expressive storytelling conveyed deep truths of the Gospel.
With hearts uplifted, Holy Mass was celebrated by Bishop Peter Collins, whose presence was a highlight for many. After Mass, the bishop generously engaged with young people’s questions during a lively Q&A session, joking that he was ready to answer anything – “except maths!”
The afternoon brought a rich offering of formation and fun. Sr Catherine Maria, also of the Community of Our Lady of Walsingham, spoke passionately on what it means to be a ‘Pilgrim of Hope’, drawing young hearts toward a future rooted in Christ. This was followed by a vocations panel chaired by Fr Peter Wygnanski, offering practical and prayerful insights into discerning God’s call. Workshops and activities then ranged from rosary-making to dodgeball, ensuring something for everyone.
The Sunday evening session was deeply impactful. Luc, a member of the Ignite Team, shared a powerful testimony of personal transformation and invited others to recommit their lives to Christ. “This isn’t just my story,” he declared. “It’s what Jesus is doing – for me, for others, and He can do it for you too!”
Fr Luke Goymour and Fr Gladson Dabre, Provincial of the Augustinians, then led a beautiful time of Eucharistic Adoration. As Jesus was brought to each person, many were visibly moved – some to tears, others to a profound sense of peace. In a moment of collective witness, over 300 young people raised their hands to say they had felt the presence of the Lord.
The evening ended with a final, exuberant rendition of the festival anthem “Praise,” followed by a joyful celebration disco and Night Prayer. On Monday, around 150 of the attendees joined the diocesan pilgrimage to Walsingham, continuing the journey of faith begun over the weekend.
A heartfelt thank you goes to St Benedict’s School for their hospitality, the priests who gave so generously of their time for Confession, the catering team for their excellent meals, and the many volunteers who made the festival possible. Thanks to their dedication, Ignite Festival 2025 was not only a success but a truly unforgettable encounter with Christ for hundreds of young people.
