The sun-kissed clifftops and beach of Sheringham have once again played host to the highly anticipated BeachLife event, a four-day extravaganza of fun, games, and spiritual discovery. This year’s installment, which took place from Tuesday, August 26 to Friday, August 29, drew in large numbers of children, young people, and families, all eager to participate in the exciting activities on offer. With around 200 children and young people attending at least one of the events, and many more parents and family members joining in on the afternoon and evening festivities, it’s clear that BeachLife has become an integral part of the Sheringham community. The event’s organizers, a team of dedicated volunteers from the town’s churches, worked tirelessly to ensure that every aspect of the event was a resounding success.
The mornings began on The Leas with the Beach Special, a high-energy gathering that featured songs, challenges, and drama, including the ever-popular BeachLife Zoo and gunge tank. The children and young people then split into their respective age groups for the Going Deeper sessions, where they delved into the day’s theme in a fun and creative way. This year’s theme, the Four Points, focused on the fundamental principles of Christianity, exploring the ideas that God loves everyone, that all have sinned, that Jesus died on the cross and was resurrected, and finally, encouraging the young people to consider how they would respond to these teachings. The afternoons were filled with a variety of family-friendly events, including beach games, sand sculpture competitions judged by the town’s mayor, and interactive theatre workshops led by the 4Front theatre company. The evenings, meanwhile, were marked by the perennial tide fight, swimming at the local Reef pool, and the return of the “Sheropoly” youth trail around town, all of which were free of charge for participants.
One of the most striking aspects of BeachLife is its ability to bring people together, fostering a sense of community and camaraderie among the attendees. The event’s organizers, who hail from the various churches in Sheringham, work together seamlessly to create an inclusive and welcoming atmosphere, where people of all ages and backgrounds can come together to learn, play, and grow. With over 70 volunteers involved in the event, it’s a testament to the power of collaboration and the dedication of the local community. As Peter Skivington, the planning group leader, noted, “It was fantastic once again to partner in sharing the gospel with so many children, young people, and families. Let’s continue to pray for a harvest from the seeds that were sown, and that lives would be changed as a result.” The event’s success is also due in part to the generous support of local organizations, including the Sheringham Poors and Ploughlet Trust, the Diocese of Norwich, the Paul Basham Trust, and the HR Greene charity, which provided significant funding to help stage the event.
The feedback from attendees has been overwhelmingly positive, with many taking to social media to express their gratitude and enthusiasm for the event. Rebecca, a parent who attended with her three children, wrote on the BeachLife Facebook page, “I just wanted to say a massive thank you to the whole team for all your work this week. My 3 children were spread across 3 different age groups and all of them had a fantastic time in the last 2 days. It’s the first time we’ve been to an event in the UK like this where I haven’t been on the team! It was brilliant to see your enthusiasm, and the hard work and time you have put in has blessed every member of our family and we really appreciate it.” Such testimonials are a testament to the event’s ability to touch the lives of those who attend, creating lasting memories and a deeper connection to their faith.
As the dust settles on another successful BeachLife event, the organizers are already looking to the future, with plans underway for a family fun day during February half term and next year’s summer BeachLife event, which will take place from Tuesday, August 25 to Friday, August 28, 2026. For those who missed out on this year’s festivities, there’s still plenty of time to get involved and be a part of this vibrant and inclusive community. The Sheringham BeachLife website and Facebook page are great resources for staying up-to-date on the latest news and developments, and for those who have a story to share or an event to promote, the Network Norwich team is always eager to hear from you. Whether you’re a local resident or just visiting the area, BeachLife is an event that’s sure to leave a lasting impression, inspiring and uplifting all who attend.
In conclusion, the Sheringham BeachLife event is a shining example of what can be achieved when people come together with a shared vision and a passion for their community. With its unique blend of fun, faith, and fellowship, it’s an event that has become an integral part of the town’s fabric, attracting visitors from far and wide. As the organizers look to the future, it’s clear that BeachLife will continue to be a source of inspiration and joy for generations to come, a testament to the power of community and the human spirit. With its strong foundations and dedicated team of volunteers, BeachLife is an event that will continue to thrive, touching the lives of all who attend and creating a lasting impact on the town of Sheringham and beyond.
