I've never been a fan of big crowds and wonder what it that draws them. Maybe for many it's the music. For others, especially the young, the thrill of being away from parental oversight and school & college rules. 'Sex, drugs and rock 'n roll' you might argue.
But I think it has got a lot to do with an ingredient you don't often associate with such events - fellowship. We get a buzz from being with others who share our interests and enjoy similar things to ourselves. Belonging to a tribe or family group satisfies us in a way that other things don't. Festivals offer the opportunity to spend a long weekend with like-minded people and 'hang out' in atmosphere of celebration and freedom.
There are some Christian festivals too. Spring Harvest and the Keswick convention are among the oldest, where tens of thousands of believers gather to encourage one another and celebrate their faith. But I feel that our local church should also offer more of the stuff that draws people to festivals, whatever the weather. We should be giving and receiving a real sense of belonging in our local congregations, perhaps much more than we do. Celebration should be real and emotionally empowering, glorifying God and drawing us to one another at his feet.
None of that can happen if we stay away, of course. Too many Christians have cut themselves off from fellowship, or treat it as a lifestyle choice to be indulged in occasionally. We need each other, and being together in celebration, reflection, mutual encouragement, fun, laughter and occasional tears, are the stuff fellowship is made of. And no need for drugs to get high either!
