The Keswick Convention is very unusual compared to other Bible weeks and similar events I am familiar with in that you don’t have to book a ticket. No reinforced paper wristbands or waving your hands in the air as you go through the gates for Keswick delegates. They do pay attention to security, with bag searches on entry, but you don’t have to pay for the event (donations, of course, gratefully received).

What you do need to do is sort out your own accommodation. There are some camping options but, anecdotally, the warm and dry weather we enjoyed in 2024 is not typical so we decided to go for a self-catering apartment again. I’m glad we looked this afternoon! Probably not helped by the fact we’re going in early August (week 3 has the ‘unconventional’ arts theme I enjoyed so much last time), there was nothing cheap left in the nearby area and most options were rather too expensive. We managed to find only 2-3 vaguely affordable options close enough to make for an easy walk in. In fact, the one we’ve booked is just over the other side of the River Greta from the main event. It should be a good base both to enjoy the events and to explore the town a bit more than we managed when we were based in Portinscale (a pleasant 20 minute walk away in good weather).

I think it should be an excellent home from home for the week but, if we decide to go again in 2027, we’ll probably try to get that sorted as soon as the dates are announced and not leave it to a mere eight months before the convention!