Hundreds of Christians pour in as Bognor hosts Bible week

They are travelling from around Britain for the town's biggest religious event in more than two decades.

The first Bible Week is focused on the grounds of the Royal Norfolk Hotel between September 20 and 26.

Globally-known preachers and speakers will mix with well-known rock band Phatfish to create an event with prayers, worship and Bible studies for all ages.

The hotel's owner, Christ for the Nations UK, has organised the event to bring together members of the Christian faith.

This was shown at the week's launch at the hotel last Thursday (September 4).

Representatives of a wide range of Anglican churches were present along with the town's MP, Nick Gibb.

He told them: "I am very pleased the first Bible Week is being held in the town.

"It's one of those intellectual events which I think Bognor's residents should be proud to have in the town.

"It's like the university, the Regis School of Music and Rox. They are all good for Bognor. The more the town can bring visitors in for events like this Bible Week the better.

"It's good for the town's reputation. Tourism is an important business here but we need to show that we are more than a seaside resort."

The last time a similar gathering took place around Bognor was a ten-day evangelical big top crusade in West Park in Aldwick. Some 1,500 people attended each night.

The Bible Week will have room for 600 participants each day. A big marquee, measuring 27m by 24m, is being put up on the hotel's front lawn to accommodate them. A smaller marquee '“ 12m by 9m, is also being erected. Twenty trade stalls will be present.

Judith Lee, Christ for the Nations' director of studies, said some 90 passes had been reserved by those who wanted to attend throughout the week.

She expected at least 200-300 people to attend each day's activities at the hotel. Many more were taking place at churches around the town in a fringe programme.

"Those who come along will be able to listen to some internationally known speakers," she explained.

"Anyone can come along from any denomination or no denomination. People will be able to learn more about christianity and meet other Christians. The Bible is still relevant today. It contains truths that are important to our everyday lives.

"Jesus says we should love our neighbours and love God. That is a good place to start."

Christ for the Nations UK founder, the Rev Kevin Swadling, said the week would build on the work of the Churches Together group.

"We are so fortunate that our speakers are able to come along. Over the past four-and-a-half years we have been in Bognor, we have seen a coming together of the town's churches. I like to think the hotel and its coffee shop have been a focal point for that," he explained.

He added that Christ for the Nations' impending move to St Michael's and All Angels Church in West Meads would see future Bible Weeks carry on there.