Last Wednesday the 2026 Moving Up Celebrations began in Taunton with back to back services at Taunton Minster attended by over 800 students from 33 schools.
An almost full Minster was full of life and colour, a theme that ran through all of the celebrations this year as those leaving CofE Primary and First Schools came together in three locations. A live band led the upbeat songs 'God is Good' and 'My Lighthouse', and the Minster’s Organ Scholar, 19 year old Henry, played a fanfare as each school processed their banner up the centre aisle. There were moments of discussion, reflection and prayer as students considered what is ahead for them and what the Bible story of Peter getting out of the boat in faith teaches us. Prayers were led by local secondary school students and each celebration concluded with candles being presented to each school – a reminder of God going with us as we continue our journey.
On Thursday, we had a 'first' with St Paul’s Weston-Super-Mare playing host to a new North Somerset location, seeing 400 children and staff come together from church schools in the area. Highlights in Weston were the dancers from Locking Castle Church who accompanied the band as they sang The Blessing over those gathered and the dramatised reading and interactive talk that encouraged students to engage with the Good News for Everyone bibles they had been given.
Tuesday, saw a return to Wells Cathedral with over 350 children gathering in the awesome surroundings of the nave, encouraged to lift their voices by the Hopestream Worship band – and lift their voices they certainly did. Comments from teachers received afterwards, included:
“This was my first time attending the service and I thought it was delivered with passion and energy. Our children loved the service, enjoying the songs beforehand and taking part in the conversations. A wonderful service - thank you!”
“Thank you ever so much for everything that was arranged, the service was perfect and amazing! I am very grateful that [we] could take part in the service.”
Sadly, as we learned of the extreme weather warnings, and in light of many schools closing and events being cancelled, the team made the difficult decision to cancel the events planned in the Cathedral and at Bath Abbey this year. We wanto to say a huge thanks go to all those who played their part in making this years’ events happen. “As we step into all the new and exciting things ahead. God goes with us.”