Huge crowds gathered at Southend park on Sunday 18th July for Essex's biggest Christian Arts and Music festival of the year -- Praise in the Park. Essex was set ablazed with 5,000 Christians praising God.

With the new venue of Priory Park in Southend on Sea for 2004, it brought even more fun, excitement and interaction with a Christian message for the whole family throughout the whole day.

At 2pm, the Southend Young Singers sang in the official opening by Southend Mayor, Councellor Roger Weaver and event Patron Sir Teddy Taylor. Followed by a party time for young children, there were lots of fun, games, music and stories of super hero.

This year, an all-new 'Festival Fringe' was made up of four zones--the Fun Zone, the People Zone, the Youth Zone and the brand new Exploration Zone, looking at the Christian faith in new and different ways.

The main highlight of the day is 'The Big Celebration' in the evening on the Giant Main Stage presented by the Denns Pethers, founder of Viz-A-Viz's. With music, singing, dancing, performances and a message that captivated and engaged the strong crowd.

At night, hundreds of young people had fun with dancing, hip hop from Brixton's M.O.D., music form TYB, competitions and extreme stories of Jesus with a spectacular crescendo.

It has been more than a seven year history that tens of thousands have attended Praise in the Park. It is currently under the PIP Ministries, which aims to promote Christian Fellowship in Youth and the Community and the vision to Praise and Worship Jesus Christ. It provides a platform for fellowship of family through games, children activities and hospitality; and also express God's given talents through praise and worship. Lastly PIP hopes to promote the Christian business through booths.

(All Photos by PRAISE IN THE PARK)