This Strategic Alliance is a formal relationship formed between three partners to pursue a set of agreed upon goals while remaining independent organizations. Partners may provide the strategic alliance with resources such as people, project funding, capital equipment, knowledge and expertise. The alliance is a cooperation or collaboration which aims for a synergy where each partner hopes that the benefits from the alliance will be greater than those from individual efforts.

The alliance often involves technology transfer (access to knowledge and expertise) and shared expenses and shared risk. Key Partners are for Chesterfest are the Light Project, Link Up and Chester Schools Christian Work. Other significant partners are the 22 local church congregations who are working together to see “the whole church bringing the whole gospel to the whole city”.

At the heart of Chesterfest are 2 concepts:

• Creating a continual lifestyle of activity within the community, reflecting the fact that God is active in all areas of our lives on a daily basis.

• Creating neutral places where Christians and non Christians can gather with opportunity to explore Christianity together.

In 2008 Chesterfest was responsible for the “Summer Celebration Week” from July 21 to July 27. The week  featured  various events and activities, including:

• 25 CAKE Projects
• 160 Adults doing CAKE Projects
• 141 Youth Delegates on the Youth Stream
• 72 Youth Workers on the Youth Stream
• 12000 Visitors at the 13th Annual Funday on a Sunday
• 65 men attending Alive & Kicking Faith and Football evening
• 700 at The Event – a gig at Chester Cathedral with yfriday and thebandwithnoname

There have been many other Chesterfest Events throughout 2008, such as the Newtown Funday, the Boughton Funday, the Tarporley Funday, a Charity Golf Day; the 7 a side Charity Football Tournament with Crossway FC and a Prayer Gathering at the Chester Cathedral as part of the Global Day of Prayer

Throughout 2008 we have been linked with the Hope08 initiative. As part of this, we are hosting an evening with Graham Kendrick at Chester Cathedral. This will be on December 13th 2008 at 7.30pm, as part of his “Holy Night” tour.

We are also welcoming The Steels on Friday 28th November, at The Bishop's High School, Vaughans Lane, Gt Boughton, Chester, from 7:30pm - 9:30pm. Tickets cost £5, doors open at 7pm.