In a normal year (remember those?) Spring Harvest attracts up to 20,000 people, most of whom buy a ticket from our friends at Butlins, who share the income with us – the details of the arrangement are confidential as I am sure you’ll understand.
An event on this scale takes a big investment to make everything work - in short, it costs a lot. We co-ordinate and organise a team of over 1000 people, tents, lighting, sound, video, transport and more.
But our income is also more: guests pay an average of £257 per person for the total experience from Big Start to cooked breakfast and seminar to swimming pool. There’s usually a shortfall which is reduced by the regular giving of our loyal partners. We also ask guests to help cover this amount and we’re grateful to everyone who plays their part.
2020 was exceptional. Right near the start of the pandemic, we were one of the first national events to be required to cancel. Then at a few weeks’ notice we delivered Spring Harvest Home free of charge. It reached wider than any Spring Harvest in history, with over 180,000 devices viewing the sessions on YouTube. Our losses were massive but financial giving was equally huge and deeply humbling, with many guests donating their Butlin’s refunds.
On 22nd January this year we announced that the Minehead and Skegness events could not go ahead and that our focus would be on Spring Harvest Home ‘21, our online event which had already been months in the planning. Whether on site or online, we’re going to share the prophetic theme, with brilliant content for all ages and our passion to encourage local churches and help them in their mission.
Because we were able to proactively manage the timing of our decision, we reduced our risk and losses compared to 2020. However, we are still left with a significant financial challenge as we navigate our way through this second year of Covid and into 2022 when things look very different and where we are confident that we can meet together again.
So, what are the financial consequences? Our ticket sales this year play a significant part in covering our shortfall. However, we are still trusting God for £675,000 - a lot less than last year, but still a big number.
We have managed these changes purposefully; our costs are much lower and we’ve stewarded every pound, but our income will also be lower - because we’re on a journey into the digital world.
The ticket price of £55 represents amazing value for a whole household to access the ministry of Spring Harvest – but it’s not going to cover our costs in year one.
Right now, we are navigating an unprecedented change in the way we serve local churches in their mission. This change affects our costs, our income, our embracing of new technologies alongside nurturing of precious traditions. We love both the Big Top and the laptop: they both help us fulfil our mission.
We’re on a journey towards financial sustainability - but realistically that’s a three-year journey not an overnight success. So, in 2021 we are asking guests, partners and donors to team with us to make up this shortfall. £675,000 is a big number, but we know that with God all things are possible.
Please donate in one of the ways listed at springharvest.org/support and feel free to talk to us if you have any questions
This is #OurSpringHarvest. We’ve seen lives impacted every year through the ministry, vision and passion of the Spring Harvest team. Please stand with us prayerfully and financially as we look to the future, when we can worship, learn and laugh together once again.
God bless you as you journey with us,
Phil Loose
CEO Essential Christian
On behalf of the Board and Spring Harvest Planning Group
Donate at springharvest.org/support where you’ll find various methods and Gift Aid options.
If you’ve not signed up yet for Spring Harvest Home, then head for springharvest.org/springharvesthome21 to discover more. When you sign up to Spring Harvest Home ‘21, there’s an opportunity to donate online. If you’ve already signed up, you can still donate via our website at any time.
We believe in being open about our finances. If you have questions, please contact us and we’ll do our best to answer.
