Malmesbury Abbey Skateboard Festival

Malmesbury Abbey Skateboard Festival – All set for 4^th year ( February 15^th – 17^th 2012 )

When: Wednesday February 15 to Friday February 17, 2012

Where: Malmesbury Abbey

Converting a 12th century Benedictine Abbey into a 21st century skatepark? It’s back at Malmesbury Abbey for the fourth year during February half term…

If you are intrigued about getting involved in any Olympic games type outreach events but don't know how then read on and come and visit this example of sports outreach. This could inspire you for other events later in the summer.

Book early to avoid disappointment!!

Booking is now open for Malmesbury Abbey Skate 2012, the fourth year a skatepark has been set up inside the 12th century abbey that dominates the hilltop town of Malmesbury.
This year, as well as a top quality skatepark for avid skateboarders, rollerbladers and scooterers, there’s a family focus for the morning sessions being introduced this year.
Organisers of the Skate Festival ( A partnership between Malmesbury Abbey, Christian Surfers and Christian Skaters ) are developing a ‘deeper community feel’, with locally-run music, art and dance workshops running in conjunction with the skatepark festival.

For many people in the skateboarding community this may be the first time that they have entered the church, apart from on special occasions, and throughout the three days we aim to give those involved a opportunity to meet with Christ in their own setting, and to hear stories of why it is relevant to this community. Over the years we have seen lives changed as a result of this event, and in conjunction with the ongoing work of the Abbey throughout the rest of the year.

This year, the mornings will be for families, with time on the park divided between under 8s, 8-12yr old scooterers and 8-12 yr old skateboarders, along with a host of activities for younger ones away from the ramps.
In the afternoon and evenings for the three-day festival, the big boys and girls are let loose, with the competition on the Friday night climaxing the event.

On the Thursday and Friday, dance workshops run by local dancer Emily McGrory will also take place, with showcases each night. There will also be girls only sessions on the park too.

In previous years, as many as 600 youngsters have flocked from all over Wiltshire and beyond to skate the park in this unique setting. The event is run by volunteers in the Abbey congregation in partnership with Christian Skaters/Surfers UK.

Rev Lee Barnes, the curate of Malmesbury Abbey, said: “We are really excited about this year’s Skate Park event as we feel we have responded to the success of previous years by both building upon it and introducing a deeper community feel. We will have opportunities for local families to come to our morning sessions and have activities for young people.

“This is in response to the sheer volume of young people in previous years. The organising team, led by Sarah McGrory, one of our Youth Workers, and myself believe that once again Abbey Skate will be a great event for our community working in partnership with Christian Skaters UK. We look forward to seeing you there,” he added.

“It is important that anyone who wants to take part should book beforehand, because of the demand, and visit our website: www.malmesburyabbey.com or join the Malmesbury Abbey Skate facebook group,” he said.

Head of Christian Surfers & Skaters Phil Williams said “Of all the skatepark related events we run, this has got to be the most exciting. I don't think there is another place in the world that you can skateboard inside an Abbey that is 850 years old! It’s a great partnership, and we really forward to a fantastic event in”

For more information or to arrange interviews / photo opportunities, contact Tristan Cork, press officer for Malmesbury Abbey Skate, on 07715 770238 or email tristan.cork a_t btinternet d_o_t com

For more information about the work of Christian Surfers log on to www.christiansurfers.co.uk and Christian Skaters www.christianskaters.co.uk or e-mail Phil phil a_t christiansurfers d_o_t co d_o_t uk