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REPORT
Over 8,000 members attended the MAYC National Event (BREAKOUT) at the NEC for a
weekend of fun, music, drams, sports and worship.
The event was mostly situated in a small area, the Arena, the
Pavilion and Forum. Most arrived Friday night and stayed at host Churches in the
Birmingham District, although many descended on Birmingham on Saturday morning. When we
arrived (9:30) the place was already seeing 3000 members and more still flooding in.
The members that went were David and Helen
Shircliffe, Cameron, Jessica,
Lauren and Kayleigh Pates and Colin.
Saturday
The Forum
The forum was the place to find out more information, have a break, snack or just relax
(almost). There were over 20 stalls all representing either charities, clubs/associations
that have some link with MAYC (Methodist churches)
There was also a big stage which ran a Live radio, with music, challenges, talks +
plenty of fun, laughter and activities organised by the team and other groups.
There was also the Cyber Café with 6 computers accessing the Internet; these were
popular, and widely used. Some used them to update themselves with the MAYC, WebPages, and
Sign up, see other clubs or just to browse and surf. There was also the chance to have
your photo taken as an individual or your group.
There was also a café where you could buy drinks and refreshment, also sit down and
have a break or snack.
We spent about half an hour in the Forum, looking around and familiarising with
what’s on and arrangements (10:15-10:45)
The Pavilion
The pavilion was the Second place where people met, but the place was also busier and
the atmosphere was electrifying and buzzing with excitement as it hosted the more fun side
with plenty to do. As well as a Self-service canteen and seating area where many relaxed
and had launch, with a large screen TV there was also…
A number of sporting games, such as a giant dome, which was a covered Disco Bouncy
Castle. Along with the traditional Bouncy Castle which.
Yet the 2 Best and popular of all was the Inflatable Climbing wall and slide, it was
more in a 3D Triangle Shape where you had to scramble up one side (via a net) to the top
and slide (tumble) down the other side.
The other popular one was the Human Table Football, A giant inflatable like the Table
football, but instead you replaced the plastic men, you were strapped to the poles and had
to slide and score, just like Table football.
The Pavilion also had a wall were you could write your hopes and dreams or other
messages, a number of stands (NCH), Table tennis Tables (the TT Finals were also held
here. There was also another room within the Pavilion, which had a Crash-out Zone where
you could talk, meet, chat, and a worship-zone for those who wish to say a prayer or find
info.
The group spent rest of the time (well 2Hr’s and 30 min) in the forum,
with the girls and Cameron going on the Climbing Inflatable about 4 times also the Bouncy
Castle, the girls and lads also went on the Human Table Football. After 2 hours of fun we
had lunch. The last thirty minutes some when on some of the slides again or walked around
The Arena.
The Arena was the Main focus of the weekend with over 6,000 watching the afternoon
show, which included comedy, music, dancing, bagpipes most representing a country (i.e.
bagpipes = Scotland), The show included a quiz by Planet X, a number of talks and
challenges. This was from 2:00-4:00.
The group spent that time watching the show; many enjoyed it as well as find
the food and drinks stall. Afterwards, we headed for the Pavilion again for another go on
the Human Table Football Inflatable, and a walk around the place and Lake, before setting
back to the pavilion
The Alliance Concert was from 7:30-11:00pm and was Loud with plenty of music, singing
from both bands and audience. There was also a lot of jumping and screaming. The arena was
packed with around 6-7,000 members and a lot of Lights, Special effects. There were 3
Bands with the Band WHY making there last ever Gig at the NEC, music from Blur to
contemporary Christian music by the Community Gospel choir and Brown Bear Music Band +
much more. The one everyone was looking forward to was the WWMT which had everyone up,
jumping and shouting, the places was alive with lights, video, music and shouting.
Afterwards everyone made there way to host churches (ours stayed in Ilkeston at
St Andrews).
On Sunday the Arena was the main focal point as the worship went ahead. With a few
introductions, and one by Louise-Ann Jordan from Songs of Praise (ex blue peter
presenter), which were filming the worship. There was a lot of singing, music, talks,
drama, dancing and meditation.
The Group joined by members from St Andrews sat in most of the worship with a final
walk around the forum before setting off home (Via McDonalds). The group enjoyed it a lot
and look forward to next year (see members page for feedback).
NEC HOME PAGE
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