Rising Lights
Gathering for five days by the coast to hear God's word, to praise our risen Saviour, and to rest. With plenty for adults, teens, and kids, alongside space to enjoy Torquay with friends and family.
It’s amazing to think that Jesus Christ, the risen and glorious Light of the World, calls us to be lights in this world too (Matthew 5:14-15). We’re to stand out as different – a holy people eager to speak good news and do good works. What a privilege!
But what a weighty responsibility. It can all feel a little overwhelming...
Yet you’re not alone – and your church is not alone – it’s so good to remember that.
Organised by FIEC but open to everyone, Rising Lights is a chance for us to gather as believers, to be refreshed, and to grow in our faith.
Theme
Paul’s letter to the Philippians urges believers to shine like stars in a world that often feels dark (Philippians 2:14-16). How do we do that? By holding firmly to the Lord Jesus Christ, the word of life.
With our base at Torquay’s Riviera International Centre, we will gather to hear God’s word and praise our risen Saviour.
We’ll be unpacking Philippians during our morning gatherings, helping you to return home refreshed for the next season of your Christian walk.
Vibrant all-age worship will take place every afternoon before two evening gatherings run back-to-back featuring a variety of speakers.
Programme and speakers
Paul Mallard, former pastor, author, and FIEC Director for the West Midlands, is our main speaker, opening up God’s word to us each morning, plus there will be seminar tracks for adults along with a programme for children and youth. In addition, there will be provision for students and young adults, as well as international students.
The morning Bible readings from Philippians will be reflected in the youth and children’s work. In the evenings, different preachers will take us through scenes from the life of Moses.
Our seminar tracks run across the mornings and will allow you to deepen your knowledge, strengthen your faith, and nurture your love for Jesus our Saviour.
Some of our track speakers include:
- Author Tim Chester.
- Evangelist Glen Scrivener.
- Steve and Siân Robinson from The Cornerstone Collective.
- Historian Sharon James from the Christian Institute.
- Andy Robinson from South Central Ministry Training Course.
- Rachel Jones, author and editor at The Good Book Company.
- Speakers from CARE.
There will be an exciting mix of subjects, with something for everyone. More speakers and seminar leaders will be added as we move towards April 2026.
Youth and children's work
Organised on our behalf by Growing Young Disciples, there will be groups for children from the age of six months up to 18 years:
- Pre-school
There will be a creche for those from six months old to two years, and teaching groups for those aged 3-4. This will run alongside the morning Bible readings – you can book children into one or the other. - Primary school
Children aged 4-11 years old will be able to join group activities each day from 9:30 until 12:30. Parents can attend a morning Bible reading and a seminar during this time. - Secondary school up to 18 years old
Children aged 11-18 years old will be able to join group activities from 9:30 until 12:30. Parents can attend a morning Bible reading and a seminar during this time. There will also be early evening activities for this age group to attend from 18:30.
Enjoy Torquay
Life is busy. God’s people are busy at work, at home, and in the local church. Rising Lights is an opportunity to step away from the busyness for a few days of refreshment.
Whilst our programme is packed with good things, none of it is compulsory. There will be plenty of opportunity to enjoy the beautiful surroundings of Torquay beach and harbour.
You could even use Rising Lights as a whole-church holiday. The teaching programme is sorted, so you can return refreshed for the next season of ministry together.
Where to stay
Once you’ve booked your ticket for Rising Lights, you need to find somewhere to stay.
Torquay has a range of options for accommodation at all sorts of budgets: you can book to camp or bring your caravan, or you can choose to stay in a hotel, a bed and breakfast, or self-catering accommodation.
Even though the nearest camping and caravanning options are in Paignton, there is a regular bus service that runs every 12 minutes (every 30 minutes in the evening) along the coast road linking Paignton and Torquay, as well as a regular train service.
This means you can be in the centre of Torquay Harbour where Rising Lights is taking place in under half an hour – or in less than five minutes via train.
We have arranged some fixed price deals with hotels in the Harbour area. This means the prices are guaranteed and you can avoid dynamic pricing on booking websites. Please note that these are not formal recommendations, nor is there any benefit to FIEC in you choosing these options – they are simply designed to help get best value for money for our guests.
TLH Toorak Hotel
The TLH Toorak is the nearest hotel to the Riviera International Centre and we have secured exclusive rates for Rising Lights as follows:
- Bed & breakfast: £74 per person per night, Monday 6 - Thursday 9 April; £80 per person per night, Friday 10 April.
- Dinner, bed & breakfast: £88 per person per night, Monday 6 - Thursday 9 April; £96 per person per night, Friday 10 April.
Supplements apply to upgrade rooms (per person, per night): £7 Riviera; £9 Sea view; £11 Terrace rooms; £20 double room for sole occupancy.
Children's rates:
- 0-2 year-olds: free of charge based on sharing with two adults.
- 3-10 year-olds: £25 per child per night.
- 11-15 year-olds: £35 per teen per night.
Guests can book their accommodation direct with the Reservations Team on 01803 400500 or by email, quoting the Booking Reference ID No 55358. Guests will pay a 10% deposit on booking, the balance paid 7 days before arrival.
Beverley Caravan Park
Beverley Caravan Park offers pitches for tents, touring caravans, and motorhomes. There are also static caravans available to hire.
The Park has excellent facilities for families and is a short bus ride away from Rising Lights.
Find out more on the Beverley Caravan Park website.
English Riviera
For more options, there are a whole host of accommodation options collated on the English Riviera website at all different price points.
How to volunteer
We are looking for around 175 volunteers to help make Rising Lights happen in Torquay. There are a range of roles we need to fill: from welcoming and stewarding our venues through to supporting our youth and children’s provision.
This is a voluntary role but accommodation plus three meals a day will be provided for all volunteers (if needed).
Volunteer to join our Welcome Team
Our Welcome Team will be a key part in ensuring the event runs smoothly. They will be working to provide a warm welcome to delegates at various venues, ensuring they have a good time and have any questions answered.
To join the Welcome Team you will need a big heart for serving others and be willing to work hard: it will be physically demanding as you will be on your feet for long hours. There will be opportunities to hear parts of the event programme whilst you are serving.
Volunteer to join our Children and Youth Team
The aim of our Children and Youth Team is to help under-18s grow in their knowledge and love of God and what he has done for them through Jesus Christ, through faithful, age-appropriate Bible teaching and discipleship.
We want to give them a fantastic week that is both fun and spiritually rich. You’ll be actively involved in engaging with the children and young people: getting stuck into crafts, games, activities, and teaching, encouraging them to respond to God’s Word, praying with them, and pointing them to Jesus. Everything we do is in partnership with and in support of the local church.
More details (including how to apply) coming soon.
You can register your interest to volunteer on our Children and Youth Team please submit your details using the button below.
If you apply to volunteer at Rising Lights but are not successful, we will make sure that you can still come to the event: you won’t miss out on attending if your application doesn’t proceed to completion.
A day at Rising Lights
Rising Lights will have a mix of Bible teaching, sung praise, family gatherings, and seminars as well as activities for all age groups. There will be a bookstall provided to us by 10ofThose and an exhibition of partner organisations from parachurch groups across the country.
A typical day will look something like this.
- 9:15 - Children dropped off at activities.
- 9:45 – First Bible reading session, with four seminar tracks running alongside it.
- 11:30 – Second Bible reading session, with four different seminar tracks running alongside it.
- 12:30 – Children collected from activities.
- 16:00 – Family celebration.
- 18:30 – 20:00 – First evening celebration, with activities for older children running alongside it.
- 20:30 – Second evening celebration.
- 22:30 – After hours activities.
Prices and booking
Rising Lights takes place from Monday 6 April to Friday 10 April 2026.
Event price per person:
- £160 for adults
- £40 for under 18s
- Free for under 18 months
Please view the booking terms and conditions before you purchase your tickets.
The ticket price covers the event programme only: you will need to book your own accommodation. There are a range of options in and around Torquay, including caravan & camping, self-catering cottages, and hotels.
Please note that you will need to register your child(ren) for the kids’ programme when you book your tickets. We have maximised the number of children’s places available at Rising Lights, but inevitably this provision will sell out first.