Seven hours of praise and worship

Thursdays and church usually do not go together. Unless, of course, you were at the Festival of Praise concert where thousands of worshippers of all ages and backgrounds gathered from different parts of the UK and overseas to worship and praise in unison.

Festival of Praise is a free annual music event that hosts a night of praise, worship and prayer for the city of Manchester. This year it took place at the AO Arena on January 23. It came about because of a vision given to the Senior Pastor of Jubilee Church – Pastor Abimbola and Folu Komolafe.

After earnestly seeking the face of God for revival and the growth of the body of Christ in Manchester and the UK at large, this vision was birthed and resulted in the catalyst for revival called Festival of Praise.

It was evident that most attendees had an expectant heart, as they longed for God’s presence. It was approximately seven hours long.

You might wonder, how does one worship and praise for seven hours straight?

But it’s possible. We surely did bask in the presence of God for seven hours and it felt like standing at the edge of eternity—a sacred stretch of time where worship and praise intertwined with every breath, every beat of the drum, and every uplifted hand.

Thousands of voices rose as one. Though the hours passed, they felt like a blink in the light of His glory. There were moments my body reminded me of its needs—hunger gnawed at my belly, but the sheer power of praise and worship distracted me from the grumbles of my stomach.

My spirit was fed as my hands reached higher, my heart beating in rhythm with the collective surrender of those around me.

Every moment, long as it seemed, was worth it, because the weight of His presence outshone the thirst and hunger, leaving only joy, awe, and gratitude in its place.

This might sound crazy, but I think I could’ve stayed longer if we didn’t have to leave.

There were many artists, but my highlight of the night must go to the big three—Nathaniel Bassey, William McDowell, and Bidemi Olaoba. 

Nathaniel Bassey’s trumpet wasn’t just an instrument, it was a sound that pierced through the atmosphere. Each note carried weight, echoing through the hearts of worshippers and lifting our praises to the heavens.

William McDowell, with his rich, soulful worship, ushered in a sacred stillness—one moment we were singing, the next we were jumping up in adoration to God, overcome by the depth of his spirit-filled melodies.

And then came Bidemi Olaoba, a force of energy that no one could resist. The talking drums did more than just speak; they commanded, compelled, and propelled us into an uncontrollable dance. Feet stomped, hands clapped, and new legwork moves were invented on the spot.

Thursdays and church may not often align, but on this night, there was a lingering sense that something had shifted. We came expecting, and we left transformed. The Festival of Praise was more than an event; it was an encounter.