Rooted in Prayer - Summer Festival 2025

There are few better ways to kick off the summer than by gathering 99 young people from across West London for an unforgettable afternoon of fun, laughter, and connection—and that’s exactly what happened at the YMIC Summer Festival 2025.

The church grounds of St Luke's in Chelsea were transformed into a buzzing festival of joy, complete with fantastic activities. From the moment you stepped through the gates, the energy was amazing. Whether it was the adrenaline rush of the towering rock climbing wall, the screams of excitement from the base jump inflatable, or the dramatic tumbles on the Total Wipeout-style big red balls, there was something for everyone to dive into—quite literally!

Throughout the evening, young people enjoyed tonnes of stuff, cheering each other on and trying new challenges. The volleyball quickly became a hub of laughter and teamwork, while inside, things took a slightly calmer turn with a craft zone and the ever-popular Mario Kart comp. No summer celebration would be complete without delicious food, and we were blessed with a BBQ feast, and the ultimate treat: a visit from an ice cream van. The scent of burgers and hot dogs drifted across the grounds, drawing everyone together for moments of rest, conversation, and community under the summer sky.

But perhaps the most powerful part of the day came as everything began to wind down and we gathered together inside the church for worship. We heard from a panel of young people and adults about their lives of prayer, including how they pray even when they find it hard. After all the noise and energy of the afternoon, the shift into a time of stillness, worship, and reflection was deeply moving. The sight of young people coming forward to receive Holy Communion was profoundly beautiful. In that moment, inflatable games and competitions faded into the background, and what remained was a clear sense of God’s presence among His people—young and older alike. It reminded us all that at the heart of all our fun and fellowship is a God who delights in drawing us close, feeding us with His love, and sending us out with joy.

As the sun set and the last goodbyes were exchanged, we left knowing we’d experienced something special—a glimpse of the Kingdom of God, alive in colour, community, and communion. Here’s to more moments like this. Thanks so much to St Luke’s & Christ Church Chelsea for hosting us!