The 146th Keswick Convention has begun and will run for three weeks.
This year, for the first time, it will be held on the combined Rawnsley and pencil factory site.
Phase one work involving the refurbishment of the factory building is now completed.
A variety of safety measures are in place to ensure the site is COVID secure.
These include lateral flow tests for conventioners, volunteers and staff, and also mask wearing and distancing on the site.
James Robson, ministry director of Keswick Ministries, said: “We are very conscious, though, that this is the first major event for the town as lockdown comes to an end, and while many are looking forward to ‘Freedom Day,’ equally others are more cautious.”
He said the convention has been planned to run under stage three of the roadmap, with venues only at 50 per cent capacity, so not dependent on the further relaxations planned for Monday.
He added: “In addition, we are working closely with Allerdale environmental health, police and other emergency services and we are observing Government guidelines to ensure that the site is COVID secure.
“For instance, all conventioners, volunteers and staff are being asked to complete a lateral flow test before coming to Keswick and during their stay, and to observe social distancing and to wear masks indoors.”
This year, instead of operating from one main tent, there will be medium-sized venues to allow for the social distancing measures.
Speakers and sung worship will present from a main stage in the packing hall on the pencil factory site with two relay venues on the site and at Keswick Methodist Church
Conventioners are being encouraged to use NHS track and trace and a booking process is in place for conventioners this year to attend the main meetings on the pencil factory site.
This year’s programme features morning bible readings, evening celebrations, lectures, a selection of seminars, as well as programmes for families and youth, all based on the theme of faithful.
Main meetings will be streamed online and be available on catch-up at vkc.keswickministries.org
