PARTY IN PARK SET TO BE REFUSED

Source : 12/05/2000 Northampton Chronicle and Echo

A Jesus Party planned for the centre of Northampton looks likely to get the thumbs down from borough councillors.

But organisers from the Jesus Army have claimed a rejection will not dent their determination to stage the music festival elsewhere in the county.

Plans for the Destiny event include bands, DJs and a portable baptism pool to give revellers the chance 'to make a commitment to Christ'.

John Campbell, communications officer for the Nether Heyford-based Christian sect, said: 'We have staged events in the past which have been more Christian orientated'

'This would be based around young people with the main focus on the music.'

Despite the event mirroring other non-Christian summer festivals, such as Glastonbury and Reading, Destiny would still have an underlying Christian message.

The hexagonal baptism pool, which is three feet deep, has been used in other Jesus Army celebrations.

According to Mr Campbell, the festival could become an annual event if it was a success this year.

Dates which have been pencilled in include June 16, June 30 or July 14, and it is thought Destiny would attract up to 500 people, the majority aged between 16 and 30.

But officers have told the borough council's environment services committee that there are no suitable venues in the town, with parks such as Midsummer Meadow and Abington Park already earmarked for other events.

In a report, head of outdoor entertainment Alan Adkinson recommended the Jesus Army's proposals were refused.

A final decision will be reached when the environment services committee meets next Tuesday.