The Christian Arts Festival returns to Cheltenham this month, with over three weeks’ worth of events and exhibitions to enjoy.

The festival began in 2016, following the relocation of the faith-based Greenbelt Festival from Cheltenham Racecourse in 2013.

“Since then it’s gradually grown every year,” says Nikki Seville, Project Leader at the festival.

Nikki, who lives in Charlton Kings, explains what the Christian Arts Festival is all about.

“We want to engage with the wider community by expressing faith through the arts, including comedy, music, drama, art and more.

“We believe we were all created in the image of God, and he gifted us all with creativity.

“Whether it’s writing music or gardening or problem solving, everyone is creative in some way. The festival is about celebrating that, coming together and enjoying life.”

Children’s workshops have been running throughout the Easter holidays, but the main festival gets underway on Tuesday 23rd April.

Events featuring in the festival include talks on topics from J.R.R Tolkien to art, and of course faith.

For music lovers there will be performances from a number of choirs, a hymn writing workshop, and ‘A Fistful of DJs’. The festival’s finale will feature the popular Soul Sanctuary Gospel Choir with Tracey Jane Campbell.

There will also be dramatic performances from Oddments Theatre, 4Front Theatre and the Saltmine Theatre Company.

The charity running the festival has also commissioned a new contemporary drama – free to audiences with no need to book – called ‘The Sower: Encounters with Jesus’ with actors from across Cheltenham.

“A good opportunity for anyone interested in the Christian faith to find out more,” says Nikki.

The festival takes place in venues around Cheltenham and the surrounding areas, including the town’s many sacred places and churches of all denominations, and also venues that Nikki calls “neutral” spaces.

“We want to welcome as many people as we can,” she explained, “so we have events in neutral spaces like art galleries and schools.

“Some people may never have been to church but may be curious about Christianity so places like The Wilson, Balcarras School, The Sober Parrot, the University, National Star College and Nature in Art will have events on.”

The Christian Arts Festival begins on Tuesday 23rd April and runs until Sunday 12th May.

For more information on the festival, the full line up and tickets visit www.christianartsfestival.org