This year's Keswick Convention gets under way tomorrow and a host of local businesses have worked alongside event staff and volunteers to make it happen.

The Christian event attracts an estimated 12,000 to 15,000 to the town over three weeks.

It it run by Keswick Ministries, and supported by a team of volunteers, but local businesses also play a key role in the event.l

Among them is Derwent Joinery, which took on the mammoth task of putting up the main tent at the Skiddaw Street convention centre.

The firm will look after the tent during the event, and take it down once the convention is over.

Whitbeck Electrical Contractors have provided site electrical connections for the event, while businesses in Carnforth and Appleby have carried out site preparations for the unique Global Village experience, which is being hosted on land at the former pencil factory site.

BEST First Aid will provide its services throughout the event, with security services provided by CRS.

Also involved with the convention are Borderloos, Jenny Woolgar Photography, Keswick graphic designer Malcolm Rigg, a Penrith van hire company and Wigton skip hire firm, accommodation providers, restaurants, cafes and grocery shops.

Stephen Jackson, facilities and logistics co-coordinator for the convention, said: "We are delighted that this year numerous businesses, including Derwent Joinery, Borderloos and CRS Security, are providing services for us. Their work is outstanding and professional and allows us to provide the facilities needed to cater for more than 4,000 visitors each week."

More than 650 volunteers help make the event possible.

This year's convention has the theme of "SENT - serving God's mission", focusing on people moving out of their comfort zone in their Christian works.

James Robson, ministry director at Keswick Ministries, said: "We are thrilled with the line-up of speakers, worship bands and people from the arts. We know that the convention is a true oasis, a time of refreshment for people who show God’s love in word and deed to so many in the UK and abroad.

"Many who attend the convention work with the needy, such as refugees, around the world, others in the area of mental health for young people or with those affected by loneliness and health issues such as dementia."

The convention is split into three weeks, each week offering a different programme.

Week one will be opened tomorrow by Mayor of Keswick David Burn.

Week one speakers will include Lord General Richard Dannat, former head of the British Army. The main speaker during the daily morning Bible readings will be the Rev Christopher Ash, who will speak on the Gospel of John.

Weeks two and three will include speakers Joëlle Warren MBE, who serves as Vice Lord-Lieutenant for Cheshire as well as being a bishops selection advisor for the Church of Englandm and Elaine Storkey, an author and former director of the London Institute for Contemporary Christianity.

Keswick Convention runs from Saturday, July 14 to Friday, August 3.

For more details visit www.keswickministries.org