Christian rock festival campers set off

This year they included more than an element regarding the desirability of fine weather for the campers in the unpredictable summer of 2008.

The party of eight members plus adult helpers led by the Rev Olivia Werrett set off by parish mini-bus at 7.30 this morning for the four-day event.

Greenbelt is held annual on Cheltenham Racecourse. Its patron is the Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr Rowan Williams.

Greenbelt is a festival of music, art and faith. It has grown from an event attended by 1,500 in 1974 to crowds of nearly 30,000 young people.

The festival regularly attracts some of the biggest names in Christian music and many mainstream musicians.

This year's line-up included Michael Franti and Spearhead, Fightstar, Jamie Catto, The Ian McMillan Orchestra, Linchpin, Martyn Joseph, Starfield, Anathallo and MxPx.

Also accompanying the four girls and four boys were the Rev Daniel Smith and Cathy Gillman.

The Rev David King, of St Michael's Church, gave a blessing to the party before they set off from Church Street.

Deacon Olivia told the Observer as the young people prepared to set off: "This is also going to be a celebration because they have all done so well in their GCSEs and A Levels.

"So there will be celebrations as well as listening to Christian rock bands.

"There will be a lot to do."