30th June 2026

Thousands gather to celebrate 'Joy of the Lord' at County castle`

More than 5,000 people gathered across the weekend in Clitheroe as Live at the Castle and Church at the Castle brought together music, creativity and faith in a major new expression of Christian community life.

Organised by local movement Love Clitheroe and led by St James’ Church alongside churches from across the town and further afield, the ecumenical faith-based event on Saturday and Sunday created a festival atmosphere in the town centre.

You can watch highlights videos here on Facebook and also here on Instagram. 

Held in the grounds of the famous County landmark of Clitheroe Castle, the weekend featured live music, arts and activities alongside a strong programme of Christian worship and witness, with well-known Christian musicians taking to the stage.

Supported by The Grand in Clitheroe, the Lancaster Foundation and local civic partners, the event drew widespread backing from across the community.

While Sunday’s Church at the Castle provided a focal point for worship, the Christian vision underpinning the weekend was evident throughout - from the welcome offered by volunteers to the message shared through music, conversation and community engagement.

The theme (The Joy of the Lord) shaped the entire programme, pointing people who were there to a deeper and lasting joy rooted in faith.

Rev. Sam Cheesman, Vicar of St James’ Church, Clitheroe, a key member of the organising committee said: “This weekend has been about openly sharing the love of Jesus across Clitheroe, and doing that in a way that is joyful, generous and open to everyone. We’ve loved creating a mission event that is genuinely fun and accessible, but was also clear to all who were there about the hope that underpins it.

“We are always looking for new ways to share the gospel. The theme of the Joy of the Lord has run right through everything we’ve done. On Sunday, as we gathered for worship, we reflected on what it means to be joyful followers of Jesus - recognising that joy isn’t the same as happiness, but something deeper in Jesus that we find in Him, even in difficult times.”

The Bishop of Blackburn, Rt Rev. Philip North, attended for part of the event on the Saturday and commented: “This was a wonderful initiative and I was delighted to be able to take part. You could see the joy on people’s faces, a real reflection of the theme and of the spirit in which it has been organised.

“It is always inspiring to see churches of all denominations working together in this way outward-looking, full of hope and taking every opportunity to share the gospel to the people of Lancashire in fresh and engaging ways.”

Organisers hope the weekend will become a defining moment in the town’s calendar—demonstrating how churches can work together to serve their communities while confidently sharing the Christian faith.

Captions for enclosed pictures:
Pictures by Ronnie Semley (1-6) and Jules Read (7, 8)

1. The scene on Saturday afternoon in the grounds of Clitheroe Castle
2. Rev. Sam Cheesman (far left) from St James’ Clitheroe with Bishop Philip (fourth from right back row) with some of the many volunteers who helped at the event.
3. Alongside the many activities across the day at Live at the Castle, there was a special Chapel set up in a tent with fun activities and opportunities to stop, reflect and pray.
4. Taking a rest in front of the Live at the Castle welcome sign!
5. With the England game later that evening these guys were getting in the mood!
6. There were loads of childrens’ crafts and games for families to take part in at Live at the Castle
7. Worship at the Castle on Sunday was a joyful and rousing occasion
8. Hands held high in praise during Worship at the Castle