The wet weather stayed away for Churches Together in Sudbury and District when they took over Market Hill in Sudbury last Sunday (13th July) to stage their largest annual open air event.
It was an action packed event with a programme of activities designed to entertain all age groups which ran concurrently throughout  the afternoon.
A huge flat bed truck acted as a covered stage for the bands that were playing, there was a separate stage for a range of dance and drama, a  puppet show and the talented mime artist, Ken Wylie, enacted Christian narrative with great imagination and verve. 
Children with faces painted thoroughly enjoyed the games that were laid on for them which included a full size parachute used as a special interactive game.
The free barbeque and refreshments was a enormous success with the hundreds of visitors who joined in with the afternoon’s celebrations!
The occasion was rounded off with an ecumenical service of  worship with David Brierley, Archdeacon of Sudbury delivering an inspired talk which gave a Christian slant on the event’s theme ‘Love changes everything’.
Commented  Roger Pullan, Chairman of Churches Together in Sudbury & District: “I am delighted to see that so many people have turned out today; this event shows Christians in the area working together united in their witness to the people of the town.  We are particularly grateful to Sudbury Town Council, and the Mayor who has been here this afternoon, for supporting us with the arrangements and to all those people who have worked tirelessly to make this event the success that it is has been”.

Roger added “Sunday’s Praise on Market Hill has produced some great feedback!  All agree it was a wonderful occasion.  We praise God for exactly the right weather and excellent performances. There was a lovely spirit of unity & co-operation between all helpers, and we were thrilled at the numbers who came from churches & the wider community.
Peter (Halden) has already expressed his thanks to all the team leaders, and I wish to thank everyone for their prayers and support.   We also thank Peter himself, and Jon, for managing the event so well, and so many people who helped at every level. The Mayor said how happy he was with the sense of community.  It was a joy that our Saviour was at the very centre.
Estimates vary, but well over 400 took part at some time or other, with more than 200 staying for the worship celebration, plus passers by who stopped to watch.  Over 60 Christian booklets – Gospels, children’s books etc were taken from the information  table.  There were many good contacts made and faith was shared.
There is already talk of next year!  We need any comments or suggestions you may have, in time for our upcoming review.  Please send them to Peter Halden at  Peter_Halden@eigmail.com, or mention them to anyone on the Enabling Group, or add a comment on this website.
May God have the glory.”