We <3 Surfstage!

WOW. What a weekend! Surfstage Festival you did not disappoint. From a little sunshine (plus some wind and rain too) to soulful worship, games, giggles and good conversation, it was an absolute blast to be their charity partner.

We LOVED meeting so many of you – especially those who already sponsor children through International Needs. It was such a joy to hear your stories and to share some exciting updates from our work around the world. There’s nothing quite like gathering with likeminded people who care deeply, give generously and dance enthusiastically.

One of our favourite things was showing off the photos of the beautiful classrooms built in Makonge last year, built with the help of Surfstage-goers and other amazing supporters. Seeing the walls go up was amazing.

Some photos of the new classrooms in Kiyindi, with some students from Makonge Primary School

So many of you got behind the next stage of the journey by giving towards furnishing (tables, chairs, desks) those classrooms. Honestly, we’re blown away.

Special shout-out to the brilliant children who wrote lovely messages for the students at Makonge Primary School. Those notes will travel over 4,000 miles, and we know they’ll mean a lot to the students that receive them.

Of course, it wouldn’t be a festival without a few games! Big congrats to the victorious champions of the ‘Tables for Tables’ times tables challenge and our top guessers in ‘Guess the Sweeties in the Jar’.

Thank you to everyone who stopped by our prayer map and took time to pause, reflect and lift up countries close to your heart. We know there’s a lot of suffering in the world right now. Your prayers, pinned with love and compassion, are powerful.

LET’S TALK ABOUT THE MUSIC!
We got to listen to Gas Street Music, Philippa Hanna, Moses Brothers, Ethan Miller and Emily Darby! Such a blessing to our ears and uplifting for our spirits.

To the incredible Surfstage team: THANK YOU for inviting us, for your warm hospitality, and for looking after us so well. And an extra special thanks to some of the lead organisers, Katie Street and Rachel Birkett.

Oh – and guess what? Three children were newly sponsored during the weekend! We brought 10 profiles with us, so if you fancy joining this life-changing journey, there are still seven amazing children waiting for sponsors. Let our sponsorship coordinator, Kim, know that you’re interested at kim@ineeds.org.uk.

Huge hugs to our heroic volunteers… those who helped run the stall, poured teas, served cakes and dodged flying flyers. ALL the proceeds from the refreshments are going straight to furnish the classrooms. Thank you.

Until next year, Surfstage… THANK YOU for the memories. See you in a field soon.

Fancy going next year? Check out Surfstage.co.uk to find out more.