THE unexpected cry of ?small is beautiful? is behind the announcement of the recommencement of the Cross Rhythms Festival in West Devon next month.

In a surprising move, Cross Rhythms has announced it is to develop a much stronger South West regional emphasis with the popular festival held for the past ten years at the home of Gilead Foundation on Risdon Farm, Okehampton, Devon.

Cross Rhythms chief Chris Cole commented: ?I believe a survey indicated 90% of those attending the Cross Rhythms ?Breakthrough? Festival in 2001 reported that it brought an encounter with God. We want to see that reproduced throughout the UK with local festivals throughout the UK, rather than one major event.

?That way, the local churches are empowered through the support of Cross Rhythms to engage with the communities in their own regions.?

Cross Rhythms Festival South West, Gideon?s Heart, will be held over the weekend of July 18-20, and will feature the mix of music and Christian spirituality which has made the event such a popular venue for people of all ages and backgrounds.

Artists appearing include Sabio, Steve, thebandwithnoname,

Superhero, Cathy Burton, Psalmistry, Andy Hunter, v12, Tony Loeffler and more to be announced.

Just a few of the speakers adding to this ?musicianary? feast are: Tony Fitzgerald, Obii Pax-Harry, Pete Greig of 24/7 and Chris and Kerry Cole.

Details and tickets from Cross Rhythms, 08700 118008. Email: [email protected]">[email protected] or book online at http://www.crossrhythms.co.uk">www.crossrhythms.co.uk

For local information contact Chris Walker 01752 316811 or Ian Pilkington 01752 225623 / 317500.

Further info from Cross Rhythms 08700 118008 or Cornerstone Vision 01752 225623.