Wildfires: One Church, One Family, One Fire

This summer three families from Emmanuel Church made the journey to West Sussex to take part in Wildfires Festival, a dynamic, Spirit-filled Christian gathering of over 5,000 people set on the beautiful grounds of the Wiston Estate. Fully loaded for camping, tents flapping in the wind, wellies at the ready. Through the fun of camping and connecting one thing became clear: God was moving and we are at an exciting time of growth in Christianity.

Wildfires isn’t just another church weekend away. It’s a rich, multi-generational gathering of believers from across the globe, uniting under one vision: to seek God’s presence and carry His fire back into our churches and communities. The festival offered something for everyone, from families with toddlers to teenagers exploring faith, from new believers to seasoned leaders. It was remarkable to see the scale of young people coming to Jesus to find meaning.

Mornings began in the Big Top, where thousands gathered for powerful worship led by gifted musicians from around the country. The music wasn’t a performance, it was a call to go deeper. Songs ranged from joyful celebration to moments of awe-filled stillness. These times of worship were deeply personal, spaces to surrender burdens, hear God’s voice, and receive fresh vision.

And it wasn’t just the music that stirred hearts. Wildfires brought together some of the world’s leading Christian thinkers and speakers; men and women who are shaping the global Church with wisdom, humility, and a prophetic edge. Attendees heard from voices speaking truth into today’s culture, justice movements, spiritual formation, and revival. Whether it was a main stage message or a smaller seminar tucked away in a tent, there were moments when the Holy Spirit pierced through confusion and brought clarity, conviction, and hope. It wasn’t uncommon to see people scribbling notes, eyes wide or sitting quietly in reflection long after a session had ended.

For Emmanuel's children, Wildfires was an open door into something exciting and deeply spiritual. The kids’ programme was bursting with creativity, fun and gospel truth tailored perfectly for young minds. Parents often found their little ones retelling Bible stories or singing worship songs long after the sessions had finished.

Afternoons were filled with Labs, interactive, practical seminars that explored topics like prayer, parenting, spiritual disciplines, evangelism, and creativity. Many from Emmanuel found these sessions just as impactful as the main stage. Some were challenged to think differently about how they live out their faith. Others discovered new ways of engaging with God in everyday life.

Every evening, as the sun dipped behind the hills and families returned from their sessions, the community would gather around firepits. This was where stories were shared, testimonies told and songs gently rose into the night air. Children ran around with torches and marshmallows, teens talked late into the night, and parents sat back, tired but grateful.

You don't have to camp, if that isn't your thing

Many attendees opted not to camp but instead embraced a more comfortable approach by staying in nearby accommodation, hotels, guesthouses, and AirBnBs dotted around West Sussex. These day visitors travelled in each morning, arriving fresh and well-rested, ready to dive into the worship, teaching, and community life at Wildfires. This flexible option made the festival more accessible for those with health considerations or simply a preference for a warm shower and a real bed. Despite not sleeping on-site, day visitors found themselves just as immersed in the experience, sharing meals, staying late for evening firepit worship and taking part in sessions and seminars alongside campers. It was a reminder that you don’t have to pitch a tent to fully participate in what God is doing.

As the final day came and tents were folded away or final coffees were sipped before the drive home, there was a collective sense that something profound had happened. God had met His people. Not just in the mountaintop moments of worship or the wisdom of world-class speakers—but in the muddy shoes, the sleepy morning walks, the hugs, the firelight, and the quiet prayers whispered between friends.

Something is happening

Adding to the sense that something spiritually significant was happening, the festival drew national media attention. The News Agents podcast (5th most listened to podcast in UK) visited Wildfires to explore what they described as a remarkable rebirth in belief in God across the UK, capturing the energy, diversity, and sincerity of those gathering to worship in a field (this to the show here). Their presence and the conversations they had with both leaders and ordinary attendees, highlighted a growing cultural interest in faith, especially among younger generations. Then, on the very day the we packed up to head home, the Sunday Express published a front-page article declaring a “return to church” across the nation, as more people are rediscovering Christian faith in turbulent times. For those leaving Wildfires with hearts stirred and hope renewed, it felt like a timely confirmation: we’re part of something bigger than just a festival,God is moving.

Wildfires reminded the Emmanuel Church Plymouth community that faith isn’t something we carry alone. We walk together—young and old, campers and day visitors, musicians and listeners, questioners and worshippers. And whether we stayed for five days or came for just one, the fire God lit in our hearts is one we carry home.

Because the goal of Wildfires isn’t just inspiration. It’s ignition and the fire doesn’t end when the festival does. It spreads.

Next year Wildfires will be:

23rd – 26th July 2026

Wiston Estate, West Sussex, UK

To find out more what it's like speak to Peter, Steph, Jess or Oli