In June, people across the country celebrated Great Big Green Week, the UK’s biggest celebration of community action to tackle climate change and protect nature. From 6–14 June, churches across Swindon joined together to host a Green Festival featuring special services, bell ringing, litter picks, a dog show, film nights and many other activities, all centred on the theme of being rooted in faith and growing a greener future.
The festival brought together churches from across different traditions and communities, demonstrating a shared commitment to caring for creation and engaging local people in conversations about climate, nature and sustainability.
One of the most striking moments came at the start of the festival with the “Peal for Creation”, a coordinated celebration involving 220 bells rung by 18 churches across Swindon and the surrounding villages. Organised by the Swindon Branch of Bellringers, the event attracted significant local interest and was warmly received by both ringers and communities alike.
The festival concluded with a Creation Praise outdoor service attended by 36 people. Blessed with fine weather, the service was led by Area Dean Revd Sally Robertson and included a thought-provoking sermon from Revd Adrian Youings, interim minister supporting churches in Swindon Deanery.
Across Swindon, individual churches found creative ways to explore environmental themes while building community connections.
At Christ Church, an Eco Festival and Dog Show drew visitors despite wet weather forcing stalls indoors.
At St Joseph’s, Swindon, the “Craft for Creation” event around 150 people as part of the church’s popular cream tea fundraiser. The event encouraged conversations about waste, consumer habits and “throwaway living”, providing a practical and engaging way to reflect on environmental challenges.
Several churches took activities outdoors. At St Andrew’s, North Swindon, 36 adults and 10 children attended an outdoor bug hunt and service, inspiring plans for more outdoor worship in the future.
At Stanton Fitzwarren, a “Connect with Nature Walk” around Stanton Park was followed by a family eco-service in St Leonard’s churchyard. The event attracted adults and children from both church and wider community, with a number of participants visiting the church for the first time.
In Wroughton and Wichelstowe, a wildlife survey and treasure hunt highlighted the biodiversity of the churchyard, with 122 species being identified. The event drew families from the local community and demonstrated how church grounds can support wildlife as well as provide welcoming spaces for learning and discovery.
Other events focused on sustainable living and consumption. St Michael’s, Highworth, hosted “Catwalk for Creation”, a community event exploring the impacts of fast fashion. Around 40 local contributors helped bring the event together, while an audience of 90 attended. Organisers reported strong engagement and positive feedback, noting that the event also helped raise the church’s profile as a community hub.
Lydiard Millicent’s “Grow for the Buzz” native plant sale saw more than 300 plants offered for sale, raising £204 in donations and encouraging local people to support pollinators and biodiversity in their gardens.
Reflecting on the festival, organisers highlighted the value of collaboration between churches and the importance of adapting activities to local contexts and resources. They noted that even small events can have a meaningful impact, whether by encouraging environmental action, building confidence within congregations, or demonstrating the Church’s commitment to caring for creation.
The success of the Green Festival has already inspired plans for a similar collaborative event in 2028. Churches involved hope to build on the partnerships formed this year, continue sharing ideas and expertise, and strengthen their collective witness to creation care across Swindon and the surrounding area.