Despite the continuing decline in church congregations, Oxegen-style faith festivals around the country are reigniting young people's interest in religion.A rock concert with a difference, the first ever Make a Difference (MAD) Christian rock festival took place this month with 1,600 young people gathering in Ballinacoola, Co Wicklow to 'worship God in a fun way'.
Next month, the Knock Summer Youth Festival, a four-day faith extravaganza running from 24- 27 July, will see thousands of devotees travel to the tiny Mayo town to celebrate their faith.
Organisers say it's no Oxegen - it's even better, with four large marquees erected for accommodation and air mattresses for people to sleep on.
"The marquees are heated, we provide food and blow-up beds - you wouldn't get that at any other festival," said a spokeswoman for the event.
At a bargain €55 for four days, the price includes food, accommodation and a free bus from your diocese.
First held in 2002, the festival has been growing year on year.
"It started with just 250 people, but the word is spreading about how
great it is."
And it's not all piety and prayers, with music from popular Irish Christian
rock band Elation and motivational speakers including You're a Star musician Ronan Johnson.
"The atmosphere at the shrine is amazing with groups of young people buzzing about. Their joy is contagious.
We want to empower and direct the young people to return home in groups and to become active in passing on the torch of faith among their peers."
Although the festival is not anti-drinking, organisers say it is a retreat of sorts, and a search weekend.
"It's about meeting people in a different kind of social setting and not just in the pub."
As well as music, the weekend consists of workshops dealing with youth issues, times of prayer and reflection, celebration and discovery of the sacraments, and a healing service.
Attending for the second year in a row, 16-year-old Brendan Creaby from Kiltimagh, Co Mayo, said: "We go because it is a great way of meeting other young people and a great way to improve your faith. You get to celebrate your beliefs through music and song, and not just through prayer."
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