No rave in this nave, say Leamington churchgoers

All-Saints Parish Church in Leamington Spa quietly cancelled a ‘rave’ event last month, following concerns and complaints from parishioners.

The event, which was set to take place on 1 November, was advertised as a ‘Holly Bass’ function, with tickets priced at £10 per person. A similar event also took place in September.

What followed were reports of excessive noise and damage to the church. One attendee said the rave was “so loud” that it could be heard from the centre of Jephson Gardens.

One former parishioner admonished the plans, saying that they allowed or “unfettered, unsavoury behaviour” in the church.

The church, which was built in 1842, has a reputation for being “open and inclusive” to people from all backgrounds.

The ‘rave in the nave’ was reportedly cancelled, however, due to it being deemed as a “total misuse of a cared building.” One former parishioner admonished the plans, saying that they allowed or “unfettered, unsavoury behaviour” in the church.

Concerns were also raised about fire safety, the integrity of the building, and the potential breach of environmental regulations.

The cancellation comes at a time when the Church of England is facing financial difficulties, with falling congregation numbers placing a strain on budgets.

“[The rave] suggests this local church has lost its way”

Rev Dr Ian Paul, member of the Church of England’s General Synod

Instead of attracting young people to the church, however, initiatives across the UK, such as this rave in Leamington, may simply be alienating the faithful.

Many parishioners feel as though the church is beginning to lose its way by trying to modernise its image, and in doing so, abandoning the traditional way of doing things.

Rev Dr Ian Paul, a member of the Church of England’s General Synod, told The Telegraph: “I always feel sad when I read these kinds of stories”

“It suggests that this local church has lost its way [and] is less clear about sharing the good news of the offer of new life in Jesus.”