SUMMERFEST 2026

Come and join us for FREE family fun and refreshments every Wednesdaya nd Friday throughout August

Fringe Fest 2026: Probably the hottest on record!

What a great three days in the sun. The heat certainly changed how we operated, but church members stepped up and we were able to give out hundreds of bottles of cool water and ice pops (or poles as some call them!) along with sun cream and all for free. Just in case people weren’t sure they were provided with a neon green Fringe Fest wristband reading “Fringe Fest VIP. God loves you” giving free access to everything all weekend.

These days town is not as busy as it was during the festival, but over the weekend several hundred people connected with us in some meaningful way.
But we knew it was going to be a good one, when in the weeks leading up to the event, we got very creative, transforming our God loves you sign into a festival field, complete with mainstage, crowds of people and tents.

As the weekend went on, people took the chance for some shade by coming inside the building, enjoying a cool drink, a phone charge, free wifi and a chance to do some craft on the craft table operated by Tony & Suzi Anderson.They could also write a prayer on a leaf and tie it onto our prayer tree.

Outside, we had great music on our mainstage from local bands No Excuses and STOP, along with a special Fringe Festival service on Sunday morning, with contemporary Christian music and testimony.
On Saturdsy, we also had a visit from Bluey’s sister Bingo (Those of you with children will know!) and plenty of photo opportunities there. Face painting was provided for free by Elinor Johnston, literally brightening up a lot of faces over the weekend.

Minister Tony Murphy was delighted with the way the weekend went. “It is well known that we do all this for free, to demonstrate in actions what it says on our famous sign, “God loves you!”
This year more than ever, the church members showed incredible generosity, providing all the food, drink, time and equipment for free, really reflecting the generous heart of Jesus.
As well as people from all over Europe, we were delighted to welcome a lot of local people. This is important, because we want our community to know that the church is not just for the “religious few” but for anyone on life’s journey. Our experience is that God meets us right where we’re at.“

CLICK HERE for This year’s highlights video

Download your souvenir programme here
page 1 https://ctr-iow.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Fringe-Fest-programme-2026-page-1.pdf
page 2 https://ctr-iow.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Fringe-Fest-programme-2026-page-2.pdf

click here for a full playlist of previous Fringe Fest videos

Also coming up… info will be added

ABLAZE FESTIVAL

SUMMERFEST

OTHER NEWS…

Charis Bible College team visit:
What a blessing it was to host the team on 24th- 26th April
Below are links to the testimonies and teaching they shared while they were with us. These times were inspiring and helpful, so please have a watch
A powerful testimony of overcoming through challenging times (Gillian)
A testimony of God’s salvation (Julie)
Teaching on baptism in the Holy Spirit (Gillian)
A testimony of healing (Carol)
Morning service with the team (in full)


We love festivals!
Check out our 2025 Fringe Fest highlights video from June below

We love the Isle of Wight festival weekend so much, that we run our own Fringe Festival alongside, with phone charging, refreshments, live music and an oasis of peace, all for free x

One of the best things the church ever purchased was a bouncy castle in 2003. We put it up whenever we can, especially on Sundays when the weather permits.
We encourage the whole community to come and use it and believe it gives a strong signal that we are a family friendly church

PICS TO COME:
All age church
Food Forest