This summer, Christian Aid and you, our supporters, have shown up in fields, on streets and along coastal paths to celebrate community, take action for justice and raise funds. From tartan trails to festival fields, it’s been a season full of energy, inspiration and creativity.
As the sun gives way to cooler days and the summer draws to a close, we wanted to take a moment to reflect on all we’ve experienced together.
Greenbelt Festival
Summer wouldn't be summer for Christian Aid without spending the bank holiday weekend at Greenbelt Festival. Amid the sparkle of glitter, painted banners, overheard conversations and catchy rhythms, a flurry of Christian Aid t-shirts could be spotted across the fields of Boughton House.
As people around the country unite, this year, we asked: How do we repair a world broken by climate injustice, debt and colonialism?
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Central to this was our giant 6ft Kintsugi pot. Inspired by the Japanese practice of joining broken objects with gold, the craft action invited festival-goers to stay hopeful when things are broken. All weekend, Greenbelters contributed prayers, messages of solidarity and hopes for a restored world, culminating in the Kintsugi pot’s unveiling on stage during Sunday’s Communion.
Creativity was everywhere. Our temporary tattoos were a huge hit too — festival-goers proudly wore messages calling for a world to “repair, repay and restore” and “smash colonialism”. It was incredible to see people fully embracing the festival spirit, with a few even sporting tattoos on their faces!
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We captured all the fun, creativity, and community from the weekend. Relive the festival and download your photos from our free photobooth.
Big Church Festival
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As a festival sponsor, we branded the five water points across the site with volunteers and fundraisers nearby. We weren’t just keeping people hydrated, but we also chatted to so many attendees about who we are and the work we do. We’re so thankful to those who donated. And, just like at Greenbelt, we were (temporarily) tattooing people all weekend, but this time with a rainbow of hope, which once again proved to be a huge hit.
Highlights of the weekend? Meeting people who’d travelled from as far away as South Korea, seeing our volunteers buzzing with energy (and already asking if they can come back next year!), and a chance to speak live on stage for UCB radio.
It was such a fun, inspiring weekend, and we can’t wait to be back next year.
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Urdd Eisteddfod
Back to the beginning of the summer, in May, we launched an exciting new song for children in Wales at the Urdd Eisteddfod (one of Europe’s largest touring youth festivals) in Margam.
Ffrindiau Byd-eang (Helo, helo, sut wyt ti?), which translates as Global Neighbours (Hello, Hello, How are you?), was written and performed by Welsh children’s singer-songwriter Martyn Geraint. Young learners from Ysgol Mynydd Cynffig and Ysgol Dewi Sant joined him on stage at a packed pavilion, bringing the song to life with energy and joy.
As well as being catchy and fun, the song reflects Jesus’ call to love our neighbour and highlights the importance of partnership and community. We’re excited to share the video and schools learning pack this autumn. The song also complements our Global Neighbours Cymru accreditation scheme for primary schools.
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We joined many of our amazing partners including Cytûn:Churches Together in Wales at the Royal Welsh Show in July, followed by the National Eisteddfod in Wrexham at the start of August. We talked to festival goers about our latest campaigns; including mobilising people to write a message for climate and debt justice to the UK Prime Minister and the Wales First Minister. We also stood in prayer and solidarity with the people of Gaza.
Kiltwalk
With a flash of tartan and a view of some of Scotland’s most scenic sites, the annual Kiltwalk brings together likeminded Christian Aid supporters, organisers and church representatives across the country.
Last month, our Head of Christian Aid Scotland, Val Brown, celebrated her birthday at the Dundee Kiltwalk, joined by supporters who carried a baton all the way to the finish line — a perfect example of the fun, community spirit and determination that makes this event so special.
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Over the years, walkers from Glasgow, Aberdeen, Dundee and Edinburgh have taken on routes of all distances, raising thousands to support Christian Aid’s work. In 2024, supporters from across the country raised more than £12,500.
As supporter Lesley put it: 'I would absolutely encourage anyone to take part — the atmosphere is incredible! You’re supported every step of the way, from registration to the JustGiving pages, and the walk itself. And there are three routes to choose from!'
This summer, the Kiltwalk was another chance to move step by step towards ending poverty and injustice — and to have a lot of fun along the way.
