If you missed picking up the Welcome Home newspaper onsite at Greenbelt 2011, then head over to the Hymns Ancient & Modern website to see a page-turning version of the paper, which allows you to see all the brilliant work of our Newspaper trainees and volunteers, led by Ed Beavan of the Church Times.

Click here to access the newspaper »

Thanks to everyone who took part in making this brilliant view of the festival.

Politicians, charities and commentators have been quick to respond to this month's rioting, with many looking at poverty – and the inequality between rich and poor – as the root cause of the disturbance. Greenbelt 2011 will be addressing this in our panel discussions, including The Poor Are Poor Because The Rich Are Rich, which is previewed here by Greenbelt partners the Methodist Church…

—

“People become poor most frequently by being born into poverty.  Sadly, as the UK has a particularly poor record for social mobility, statistics show that the most common way to escape from poverty is to die.”  This was Paul Morrison’s stark claim to Methodist Conference in July.

The UK’s increasing levels of inequality, set against the background of austerity make this discussion particularly crucial.  Many in our churches are working alongside those impacted by poverty but how is government policy either helping or hindering the most disadvantaged in our society?  The Joint Public Issues Team of the Baptist, Methodist and United Reformed Churches bring us a timely panel discussion that will address questions such as: -

Does the gap between rich and poor matter?

Are the richest in society responsible for poverty either practically or morally?

Are the spending cuts likely to hit the poorest hardest?

What role should our churches play in this debate?

Come and hear perspectives from a distinguished panel and ask your own questions.

Read more timely comment at the Joint Public Issues blog »

—

Contributors’ biographies for information

Ruby Beech, former Vice-President of the British Methodist Conference, chairs the panel consisting of:

Dame Clare Tickell (above) is Chief Executive of Action for Children responsible for one of the UK’s largest charities.  She is committed to improving the lives of our most excluded and vulnerable fellow citizens having held many non-executive and advisory positions in the voluntary and housing sectors.  In July 2010 Children’s Minister Sarah Teather asked Dame Clare Tickell, to carry out an independent review of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) and this was completed in April 2011.

Richard Higginson is Director of Studies at Ridley House Cambridge, a Lecturer in Christian Ethics and Director of Faith in Business, author of various books including Dilemmas: A Christian Approach to Moral Decision-Making, Called to Account: Adding Value in God's World. He is a respected expert in the field of business ethics and has advised UK Churches on ethical investment.

Paul Morrison, Policy Advisor for the Joint Public Issues Team with particular responsibility for Business and Economic Affairs. He is a gifted communicator and has this year helped three churches take George Osbourne to task when he massively inflated the figure for benefit fraud thereby stigmatising the poor.  Paul has been an active member of the Liberal Democrats both as a candidate and in policy development.

Richard D North, writer, broadcaster and commentator. He is media fellow of the Institute of Economic Affairs, the free market think tank, and fellow of the Social Affairs Unit, the home of conservative cultural thought.  His many books include Mr Cameron’s Makeover Politics: Why old Tory stories matter to us all;  Mr Blair’s Messiah Politics: Ten years of inspirational government; and on Christian monasticism Fools For God.

Festival Harvest is the organisation that takes unwanted, non-perishable food at the end of Greenbelt and distributes it to those in need.

Please bring unopened, non perishable food (tins, packets, UHT milk and fruit juice, squash, tea, coffee, sugar and toiletries) to G-Source between 4pm and 8pm on Monday, and 9am until 12noon on Tuesday. Festival Harvest cannot take fresh food for environmental health reasons. Thanks for your donations!

Here's Festival Harvest trustee Sarah Schofield, with a bit more on the work of the organisation at Greenbelt and beyond…

—

I have a new neighbour. If you look carefully you will see the nest made by Joseph* between the hedge and front wall of a derelict house a few doors up from me. He's been there a fortnight now, variously turned away, welcomed, helped and hindered by an eclectic range of individuals, government departments and charities. The problem is not that he has dropped through the system but that there appears to be no place in the system for him. Wheels are turning slowly, appointments being made, details noted but "it's August – everything slows down"…

…and meanwhile Joseph waits. No roof, no money and no food. Just a lot of cardboard, a cast off sleeping bag, clothes from helpful strangers, a wash and a shower in various churches, breakfast at a drop in, dinner from some monks and then back to the box behind the hedge.

The food collection known as Festival Harvest makes no apologies for targeting people like Joseph who have been told that they "have no recourse to public funds". There is no benefit safety net, no roof, no safe door to close at night – simply destitution.

Greenbelters have always responded with humbling generosity. Last year we were prepared for a smaller collection as everyone was watching their budget a little more closely but the response was if anything bigger than the previous year.

The food given by Greenbelters and the traders on the race course site goes to a variety of people in need but most of it goes to people who are destitute and are entirely reliant on donations. Many of those who are refused benefits are also refused the right to work. Charity, like that of all those who trudge down from the distant corners of the campsite with a bag of tins, is their only option. There are thousands of people in the UK who don't have the safety net of full benefits and very few collections like the Festival Harvest Greenbelt Food Collection. Thank you to everyone who has given before and to all those who will give this year.

The Festival Harvest collection model has been used at Soul Survivor and Greenman and we would love to encourage the idea to spread. If you would like to try and run a collection for a charity near you at an event come to G-Stage in the G-Source at 4pm on Monday for some hints and tips as to how to get started. Have a great festival, and please remember Joseph behind the hedge in your prayers.

—

* Names have been changed.

Our much loved Wine Bar (the Blue Nun) takes a year off this year, but – under new management – the Jesus Arms returns. We're changing the vibe a bit, so it'll be the perfect place to debrief at this year's festival. And we've reduced prices across the board so the prudent festivalgoer need not drink warm beer back at their tent.

In other exciting Jesus Arms related news:

Lager drinkers – by popular demand Freedom Lager will be available.
Ale drinker – we're working closely with Bath Ales this year, and they'll be eight different tipples served across the weekend, and we're sure we won't run out.
Families and tee-totallers – following feedback from the last couple of years, there are no pretentious overpriced soft drinks and Coke and Lemonade is £1.20 a pint.

Everything is ready… well almost.

Because Bath Ales are brewing up some special Greenbelt brew and we need a name.

So get your thinking caps on for a suitably Greenbelty name to grace the palates of the great and good this festival. Post your idea in the comments below, and then pop along to the Jesus Arms to see if you were the winner.

We're pleased to announce that this year's Daily Diary is available to download as a PDF and as an app for iPhone, iPad and Android users.

The PDF version is £3.00. Please note, before purchasing that this document cannot be printed. It's designed to be a sneak preview of what's in store, for those who can't wait. Printed versions of this document will be available onsite with a Festival Guide for £8. To download the Daily Diary as a non-printable PDF visit the greenbelt shop»

The Android app is available from the Android Market »

The iPhone & iPad apps are available via iTunes »

As well as telling you what's happening where and when, both apps will give you details of contributors, news from the Greenbelt blog and an update feature, so you'll be kept up to date of any last minute changes. The apps are £3.99 each.

A huge hat tip to faithful Greenbelters Tony Hoyle (Android), Paul Bennett and James Stewart (iPhone & iPad) for their work developing the apps listed above.

The Methodist Church are looking out for students at this year's Greenbelt. Here's some more information on what they have planned…

—

Not wanting to overlook you, we’re excited to offer a series of sessions for new and more experienced students at this year’s festival.

Come along to our Student Focus in Galilee. We’ll have students, chaplains and student workers on hand to answer questions and share their experiences, and an open and informal programme so that you can get to know other students at the festival. Learn from and question our panels who will offer their own perspectives on student life; and drop in to different creative activities, skills sharing sessions and discussion strands. We want to respond to your questions and learn from your experiences so have built in space for you to shape what we do.

A chance to meet with up with others, eat chocolate brownies, ask questions and share your tips for the weekend. Themes covered include living creatively on a student budget, with space to find out about the new loans systems, share ideas on living simply and ethically, having fun for free. University survival skills including what makes a good housemate, finding ways to relax and de-stress and getting the work/life balance right. And making the most of being a student, looking at the opportunities offered by university life including growing in faith, inter faith dialogue, campaigning, volunteering, activism and more.

Come and take part and look out for our Twitter feed @StudentSpaceGB. If you have any questions you want discussed (silly or serious) tag your tweets with #StudentSpaceGB before or during the festival. We’re looking forward to hearing from you and meeting you in Galilee, dreaming dreams of home and the home from home of university.

Galilee: Fri, Sat, Sun at 8.15pm; Mon 12.15pm

—

Pic credit: Rosie Venner

Ever-conscious of the desperate inequalities beyond our shores, Greenbelt invites you to hear about the current situation concerning the Dalit peoples of Southern Asia.

Caste discrimination affects some 200 million Dalits in India and also up to 100 million adivasis or indigenous peoples. It is the largest system of human rights abuse in today’s world. The Dalits (former ‘untouchables’) call it ‘hidden apartheid’ because there is little or no colour difference between most Dalits and most ‘higher’ or oppressive caste people, and so the reality of the violence exhibited against them often cannot be seen.

The Dalit Solidarity Network UK and the International Network were set up in 1999/2000 to internationalise the issue and give support to Dalit organisations in India, Nepal, Bangladesh and Pakistan in their struggles for justice and equality (see www.dsnuk.org.uk and www.idsn.org.)

One of the speakers coming to Greenbelt this year, Revd Vincent Manoharan, is a founder member and former General Secretary of the National Campaign for Dalits Human Rights in India. Another speaker invited is the Revd David Haslam, founder member of DSN(UK) and the IDSN, and long-time activist in the Dalit cause.

Several years ago, singer/songwriter Garth Hewitt went out to India to construct a series of songs about the Dalit struggle, jointly with Dalit musicians. The result was the CD "Dalit Drum", named after the instrument the Dalits have made a symbol of their battle against discrimination. We’re delighted that Garth will join us to sing some of the songs from that album as part of the session.

Whether you know something of the Dalit movement or not, come and refresh your knowledge and learn how you can help stop the kind of incidents referred to above by building up external pressure on the Indian authorities to end a system which shames them in the eyes of the world.

Join David, Garth and Vincent on Friday evening in Galilee.

Here's Greenbelter Revd Simon Marshall from Solihull on looking forward to Kate Rusby…

—

It's been a few years since I ventured to Greenbelt, but the last time I was there I was overjoyed to enjoy a live set by the wonderful Kate Rusby.

I had begun to love Kate's music several years before when I heard her play the beautiful Old Man Time on Radio 4. Up until then, I hadn't realised that folk music thrived in the 21st century, nor that it offered a voice as beautiful as Kate's.

This year we are bringing our children to Greenbelt for the first time, and they, too, love Kate's music. I'm so excited that their first taste of this most wonderful of festivals will also provide them with their first opportunity to hear Kate and her band play live.

Can't wait until the 26th!

—

In a continuing series on the blog, we're going to be hearing about parts of the Lineup for 2011 that people are particularly looking forward to. (For all Why I'm Excited posts, click here.)

If there's something on the Greenbelt 2011 programme that you're particularly looking forward to, do email us a paragraph or two saying why, and we'll put it up here on the blog…

Here's some news of Woolly Thinking at Greenbelt 2011, taking place on Saturday in the Hub at 5pm…

—

For those of you with crafty talents, or a willingness to learn a new skill, Woolly Thinking is the event for a bit of yarn creativity, some reflection on the place of wool in our lives and ensuring GB is a warmer, woollier place than normal!

Last year saw over 200 people knitting and crocheting moustaches at Greenbelt in The Hub accompanied by the woolly films and comedy, and this year we are doing it all again!

At Woolly Thinking (Saturday 17.00 The Hub) we will be creating graffiti knitting/crochet pieces which will decorate the site. Everyone is welcome: from those who have never even seen a pair of knitting needles or a crochet hook, to those who are committed yarn-lovers. Our lovely Knit Nurses will be on hand to assist you if you need it, so you can join in and create something beautiful.

There are a couple of ways to get more involved:

We are in need of a few more Knit Nurses, people who have a burning desire to share the joy of knitting or crocheting, and help teach beginners.

We'd also like to invite experienced knitters to join our mass casting-on session (probably on Friday night) which will give a strong start at Woolly Thinking for those new to knitting and crocheting. Get in touch for details of exact time and place.

For either of those opportunities, get in touch through our Ravelry group, Facebook page or Twitter – @WoollyGB

We are looking forward to seeing you at Woolly Thinking whether you are a knitting nun, crocheting curate, woolly liberal, felting fundie or a yarnie newbie.

Here's Ian Braithwaite, who is excited about the Greenbelt Photo Flash Swap – an event rather close to his heart…

—

Greetings. I am running the Greenbelt Photo Flash Swap. Here's why I'm excited.

The Photo Flash Swap is a photographic exhibition in The Hub. It's an exhibition that is populated by anyone and everyone – all visitors to Greenbelt are encouraged to bring along a picture. At the start of the weekend there is just an acre of freshly painted white boards. Then as the first evening draws on people arrive clutching their work. Some are proud, excited to share their obvious talents. Others are shy, nervously showing you their picture and asking if it is alright to hang up.

Some of the photos are amazing, others are curious, and every single one gets a place on the wall. Last year it was my job to pin the photos to the string. This year we have more wall, more string, and more space, because this year it's bigger.

I'm looking forward to seeing the contributors pop back throughout the weekend. First they look to see if people are looking at their photo. Sometimes they stand nearby, maybe pretending to study a crack in the wall, and try and overhear what others are saying about it. Then they start deciding which photo to aim for when the countdown ends. By the way – that's the twist! At the end of the weekend all the contributors get to choose a picture to take home. It's pretty competitive! I enjoy watching people develop a plan – maybe they'll decide not to aim for their absolute favourite photo because they think everyone will go for that one, but instead they'll focus on the obscure, slightly out of focus one in the corner that no-one seems to have noticed. The one of a pigeon, or a cake. But it says something to them. They come back a few hours later (with a friend) and look again.

It's professional, it's amateur. It's for all ages. It's exciting. There is disappointment and thrills. And biscuits.

Have you chosen which photo to bring along yet? I'm really excited about it – I have a place for it, high up in the middle. Or low down in the corner – whatever you want. Bring it along, we'll look after it for you.

—

In a continuing series on the blog, we're going to be hearing about parts of the Lineup for 2011 that people are particularly looking forward to. (For all Why I'm Excited posts, click here.)

If there's something on the Greenbelt 2011 programme that you're particularly looking forward to, do email us a paragraph or two saying why, and we'll put it up here on the blog…