1996
With new venues like Level 5, Adventures in Narnia and The Steam Room, those attending Greenbelt in 1996 also enjoyed some site improvements funded by the Greenbelt Angels. Christian Aid introduced the idea that ‘Debt Kills’, getting us to send postcards to the then Treasurer Ken Clarke. And George Carey, Archbishop of Canterbury, led the Sunday service.
The festival hosted the European premier of Storykeepers, a series of half-hour animations about Jesus, while the worship menu was wider than ever, from Indian dance worship with Bharatha Natyam to ‘pop’ worship with Matt Redman. The Visual Arts programme highlighted the work of Christian artists from non-western cultural traditions – from Peru, Namibia, Uganda and Kenya.
Dance music came from London’s Abundant and DJ Disciple, and live stuff from Kiwi Steve Apirana, Bennet, a returning Moby – with 808 State, Americans Steve Curtis Chapman, the Vigilantes of Love, jazz from Courtney Pine, rising stars Sixpence None the Richer, a young Irish singer-songwriter called Juliet Turner, Nu Colours and Eden Burning’s last ever gig.
Los Compadres brought flamenco and Angela Knowles offered up late night storytelling. The War of the Roses, meanwhile, was a play written by Greenbelt original James Holloway and based on Henry VI parts I, II and II and Richard III. The Wild Flickering Vision programme celebrated 100 years of film and included one of Krystof Kieslowski’s Decalogue series, A Short Film about Killing and John Boorman’s Beyond Rangoon.
Greenbelt’s offering went to CEPAD in Nicaragua, CAFOD in Panama, the Hackney Church refugee network, and the Ipswich Furniture project – among others. ‘I’m too Sexy for My Church’ was one of the Great Debate titles with Rhian Roberts, while Greenbelt’s own ‘Girlie Show’ asked if Jesus would have read Loaded? There was a Cyber Café and, in the 24-hour Action Café, you could redesign a VW Camper. Something interactive and worshipful out on the Fringe was called The Labyrinth, while Roland Howard revealed the sad story behind the NOS headlines.
The Bookend was a new literary venue, with poet Michael Simmons-Roberts as writer in residence. Speakers included Craig and Marivic Burrow, founders of the Mango Tree House, a children’s home in Manilla, Dave Batstone, a Professor of Social Ethics at the University of California and Liling Briones, the ex-president of the Freedom and Debt Coalition in the Philippines. Feeling smaller in size, yes, but, through an endlessly innovating programme, getting broader and feeling deeper. Was there a connection?
All change
1996 was the first time in 15 years of Greenbelt without the Rolling Mag. Pip Wilson, the man behind the Mag, said he wanted to enjoy the festival for himself. But, glutton for punishment, he launched ‘The Experience’ – what he described as a new, “intensive, soul-touching show, an unzipping the feelings show” – and in which he interviewed Nick Park, returning to Greenbelt after winning yet more Oscars to introduce A Close Shave.
James and the Archbishop
James Holloway, wild-eyed festival founder and always worried that Greenbelt was selling out on its radical heritage, tackled Archbishop Carey after his Sunday morning sermon, irked at the suggestion that Greenbelt was “now establishment”. (James admits he was “invariably annoyed!”) George Carey’s successor, Rowan Williams, spoke about Greenbelt in quite different terms at its 30th birthday party at Lambeth Palace – describing it as an increasingly important gathering for those finding it impossible to animate their faith journeys inside conventional church settings.
Page last updated 19 Apr 2012
