One of the UK’s most unusual exhibitions comes to Milton Keynes for the first time this week at Marshall Arena, 9-10 October 2024.
Where eco-heated pews and ecclesiastical karaoke players meet contactless donation apps and clergy clothing.
The two-day Christian Resources Exhibition (CRE), often dubbed ‘the ideal church show’, will feature more than 150 organisations, displaying everything from eco-friendly heated pew cushions to clergy clothing, contactless donation apps to ecclesiastical karaoke players. Beautician Mariana will bring her ‘Grace on Wheels’ van to CRE, looking for support to enable her to provide services to less-privileged women.
A full list of exhibitors can be viewed here.
Alongside the exhibition will be a series of more than 40 talks and presentations covering fund raising, faith sharing, bereavement support, social media, church security – and much, much more.
World-renowned professional football freestyler Daniel Cutting will open the event (10am, Wed 9 Oct) and remind visitors how churches can use sport as a vital bridge to their local communities. A 10-time Guinness World Record holder, Daniel is a member of a church in Milton Keynes, where he and his wife run a youth group for 20 or so young people.
‘I am particularly excited to do events in a Christian setting,’ he said, ‘using my gift to glorify God.’
Steve Goddard, owner of CRE, said: ‘Rumours that the church is dead have been greatly exaggerated. There are several examples on the exhibition floor where churches have blazed a trail, technologically. Put away the china cups. “More tech, vicar?” is now the watchword.’
Open to everyone, CRE is expected to attract almost 2000 visitors.
- CRE 24 at the Marshall Arena, Milton Keynes opening hours: Wed 9 Oct, 10am-5pm; Thu 10 Oct, 10am-4.30pm. Advance tickets available from £3 (£8 on the door). Visit www.creonline.co.uk for more information.
For more information contact CRE owner Steve Goddard on 07930 198209 (E: steve@creonline.co.uk) or communications consultant Dave Hall 07745 388599 (E: cre.davehall@gmail.com)
