Introducing: Rising Lights

What is Rising Lights?

Organised by FIEC but open to everyone, Rising Lights is an Easter event in Torquay with great Bible teaching, youth and children’s work (up to age 18), a programme for 18-30s, and a host of seminars, tracks, and praise for the whole family.

It’s designed to help Christians to gather for a time of refreshment and growth to equip us for the next season of ministry.

It will take place in the week following the Easter weekend: Monday 6 - Friday 10 April, 2026.

You can download a copy of the video above to show at your church.

Why is it called Rising Lights?

The Bible teaches us that Christians are to shine like stars in the sky as they hold firmly to the word of life (Philippians 2:14-16). We should also be a light in the world, like a lamp on a stand in a dark house (Matthew 5:14-16).

Our prayer is that Rising Lights encourages believers to live like that in our culture as they keep their eyes fixed on Jesus Christ, the true Light.

Why is it in Torquay?

The Riveria International Centre (RIC) in Torquay is known to us because we held the FIEC Leaders’ Conference there for three years. We considered other possible venues, but they were not available for a variety of reasons.

There are also other places around the RIC for seminars and safe children’s work which will take place in hotels and tourist attractions. Overall, Torquay meets our needs and we have had help and support from members of local churches in the town. We are trying to achieve a blend of venue size and affordability with convenience of attendance.

Though it is a long drive for many, it is a straightforward drive with motorway or dual carriageway until the last few miles. It is also easily accessible by train, with nearby Newton Abbot served by trains from London, Exeter, and Edinburgh (via Leeds and Birmingham) There are also direct trains from Newton Abbot to Glasgow and Cornwall.

If you don’t fancy the train, National Express coaches also serve Torquay with links to Bristol, Gloucester, London, and Birmingham

Torquay has a variety of other attractions, including sandy beaches and activities for the whole family which makes it an ideal place for Rising Lights.

Is it a replacement for Word Alive?

We have only organised Rising Lights because Word Alive sadly decided to close, meaning that there was no comparable Easter event for our churches. So, this is a new event organised by FIEC which we hope will serve British evangelicalism more widely.

It’s open to all Christians to come and join with us, not just FIEC churches.

What will the programme look like at Rising Lights?

Paul Mallard will be the main speaker in our Bible readings: he will be opening up the book of Philippians. In the evenings, we will be looking at the life of Moses, and there will be seminar tracks covering areas of theology, culture, and Christian discipleship, as well as practical help for churches.

We will have a full programme for all ages, including children, students, international students and adults. Growing Young Disciples will partner with us on the youth and children’s work.

How many people will be there?

We have space for 3,000 adults and up to 800 children at Rising Lights – so we would urge potential guests to book early to avoid disappointment.

How can I book?

Bookings will open on 28 April at risinglights.co.uk and tickets cost £160 for adults and £40 for under 18s. Under 18 months are free but you will still need to book them a space in the pre-school provision.

Everyone who comes along will need to book their own accommodation for Rising Lights. There is a variety of accommodation in Torquay and nearby Paignton including caravan and camping as well as self-catering and hotels.

Can I volunteer?

Yes please! We will need around 175 volunteers to serve on our youth and children’s programmes, as well stewarding the main venues and helping people find their way from one venue to another.

If you would like to volunteer, we will provide accommodation and food for you to come and serve. Look out for the volunteer application pack when bookings open.