The spirit of WYD comes to England

(Vatican Radio) While many young people are soaking up the atmosphere of World Youth Day in Rio de Janeiro, those from England who couldn’t make the event are getting the chance to have their own WYD celebrations at home.

Brightlights is an annual Catholic festival for young people which will run over the course of the World Youth Day weekend from the 26-29 July, in the grounds of Aylesford Priory in Southern England, home to the Carmelite community.

Over the course of the four day event young adults can listen to guest speakers, take part in catechesis workshops and watch all the latest from Rio via a large screen link up.

There will also live bands adding a carnival atmosphere to the weekend.

Two musicians who will be performing at the festival are coming all the way from Columbia and work in partnership with the UK based Catholic development agency CAFOD using music in their work with local communities.

Barbara Davies, CAFOD’s, programme support officer for the Andes spoke to Lydia O’Kane about the musicians and the event itself. Listen