Over the weekend of 20–21 June 2026, members of the UK community came together once again at Cleeve House for the Annual Gathering Festival 2026, a much-anticipated yearly event centered on celebration, worship and shared life.
This year’s festival brought together UK members alongside guests from Portugal, Moldova and the Czech Republic, as well as representatives from different faith communities and the Bath Interfaith Association. Their presence added an important dimension of openness and dialogue, reflecting the wider spirit of unity that shaped the weekend.
The event required significant preparation in advance, coordinated by David Schroeder, Operations Officer at FFWPU-UK, working with a large team of volunteers. From Friday onward, volunteers arrived on-site to prepare the grounds, creating a welcoming environment for all ages.
By the time the festival began, Cleeve House had been transformed into a lively and family-friendly space. Activities included football and volleyball, face painting, a splash zone for younger children, arts and crafts, a bouncy castle, soft play areas, and a range of informal spaces designed for connection and relaxation.
The programme opened on Saturday afternoon with Man Bok Chen and Beatrice Gaina, followed by remarks from Bogdan Pammer and worship led by the band. Across the weekend, meals were provided by HyoSong Cho, Sarah Monah and their team, with Korean food served throughout and forming a key part of the shared experience.
Saturday evening continued with worship and fellowship, as participants gathered in a more reflective setting. Many attendees stayed overnight in tents or nearby accommodation, adding to the sense of a shared retreat.
On Sunday morning, numbers increased as more participants arrived. The main worship service at 11:00am was led by Kieran Hoyte, with MCs guiding the flow of the programme. The central message was shared by Dr Michael Balcomb and Fumiko Balcomb, who encouraged attendees to maintain hope and perspective in the midst of challenges, reflecting on resilience through difficult times and the importance of placing concerns in God’s hands.
The service also included a time of reflection and worship, alongside a Father’s Day moment where children offered leis to their fathers in appreciation. The Grace Miller Award was presented to Sophia Nichols in recognition of outstanding volunteer service, and thanks were also given to newly blessed couples.
Guests from other faith communities were welcomed on stage, including a Christian representative and an Imam, both of whom shared messages emphasising unity across differences and mutual respect.
Additional provision was made for younger participants, including a Peace School programme and a crèche. A group photo followed, capturing the wider community before attendees moved into informal time together, reconnecting with friends and members not seen for some time.
The afternoon programme included a variety of activities such as a sound bath, sister circle, open mic performances, singing, ceilidh dancing, and a lively tug of war, all contributing to a relaxed and participatory atmosphere.
Positive connections were made, including media coverage of the event, with interest expressed in future collaboration.
Overall, the Annual Gathering Festival 2026 was marked by strong participation, shared responsibility, and a sense of openness across the community. Following the event, volunteers remained on-site for an additional day to support with clearing and packing down, reflecting the continued commitment behind the festival.
Beyond the activities and programme, the gathering continues to serve an important purpose: offering space for members across the UK to build relationships, deepen faith, and welcome new guests into a lived experience of community.
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