News Release

Issued 21.9.09   For immediate use

Church takes a stand at national exhibition to attract wedding couples

Two Yorkshire bishops will be meeting engaged couples and offering help and advice on church weddings when the UK Wedding Show comes to Harrogate next weekend. The Church of England has taken the step of mounting an exhibition stand at the national show which is being held in the Harrogate International Centre from September 26-27, and visitors will be able to meet clergy, talk through their wedding service ideas, and receive advice and literature on everything from hymns and readings to churches where they can get married.

The Bishop of Ripon and Leeds, Rt Revd John Packer will join the church team in Harrogate at 12.30pm on Sunday September 27th, while the Bishop of Bradford, Rt Revd David James will be on the church stand from 2pm-4pm on Saturday September 26th.

A new range of literature has been developed by the Church of England to help both churches and couples plan their big day, and a new website was recently launched, www.yourchurchwedding.org

Visitors to the church stand will be able to find out about the new regulations which give many couples a wider choice of churches for their wedding, and pick up some of the newly developed material containing much useful advice.

Bishop John Packer commented, “Many more people would choose a church wedding if they knew they could have one. We're taking the initiative to be at this event where people are planning their big day.

"The team drawn from across Wakefield, Bradford, York and Ripon and Leeds will be  working hard to let people know we welcome them for a wedding, whether they go to church or not. I think many people are surprised to discover that a church wedding is now a lot easier, and probably less expensive as they think.”

Alongside the churches’ stand at the UK Wedding Show, will be more than  90 suppliers specializing in everything from cakes, cars and catering, to bridalware, balloons and beauty tips. The two day show in Harrogate is open to the public and tickets can be booked in advance at www.theukweddingshows.co.uk

ENDS

More information on the UK Wedding Show from UK Wedding Show Administration 01704 882058

Issued by John Carter (Revd)
Press and Communications Officer
Diocese of Ripon and Leeds

01423 530369
Mb 07798 652707
jhgcarter@aol.com

www.riponleeds.anglican.org for latest news