Between 2008-2023, Word Alive was a annual conference that originated as a partnership between UCCF and Keswick Ministries which served the church by bringing God's Word alive to generations of students, along with the wider UK church family. It was a chance to hear from God in His Word, celebrate Him in worship, and enjoy the company of His people.
The Music Network at Word Alive
Between 2015 and 2023, each year the Music Network ran a specialised seminar track equipping musicians to understand music within the framework of the gospel and addressing key questions that arise as they try to live out their faith in Jesus in the world of music.
Topics covered included glory, contentment, idolatry, mission, distinctive living, beauty, and various overviews of the Bible's teaching on music and the arts.
What's more, huge fun and fellowship was had each year as the Music Network students stayed with each other in the chalets at Pontins Prestatyn where the event took place. There were always late night games, impromptu jamming, and even a first-wedding-anniversary celebratory ceilidh-in-a-chalet for network co-ordinator Tom Chevis and his wife Becky, the Royal Academy of Music "band" consisting of violin, guitar, tuba, clarinet and spoons!
Closure
Sadly, in late 2023, Pontins announced the sudden closure of its venue at Prestatyn, and in June 2024, following a lengthy period of prayer and looking into potential alternative venues by the Trustees, it was announced that since their search had been unsuccessful, Word Alive was to close.
Fond memories
Word Alive was for many music students over the years a truly fantastic and seminal week in their walk with Jesus.
Indeed, there are several write-ups on the 'Student Stories' of this website, including:
- This one on WA18 by composer Danielle Bees (RCS), pianist David Reavley (Cambridge), and violist Jenny Key (RCM).
- This one on WA19 by pianist Daisy Ou (GSMD)
- This one on WA22 by pianist Tom Jesty (GSMD) and violinist Julie Piggott (RCM)
Get a taste of the WA fun...
The video below shows footage made by the Music Network group at Word Alive way back in 2017, giving a sense of the fun that was had by all.