INSPIRATIONAL: World Vision Australia CEO Tim Costello addressing a massive crowd at Parachute Festival’s main stage on Sunday morning.  — Photo by Stephen Hart.

Australian Tim Costello reminds us why Parachute is so special

Parachute 2012 welcomed CEO of World Vision Australia and a leading voice on social justice issues as a guest speaker.

Tim Costello gave several inspiring and challenging messages over the weekend and praised the festival held at Mystery Creek as an amazing rite of passage. “It’s been great. It’s impossible to be a disciple without taking poverty seriously and that’s been my message,” said Mr Costello. “My dream is very simple. My dream is really for the gospel and salvation to be expressed in the full sense that God and Jesus intended. I think Parachute is absolutely extraordinary. The fact that there are 20,000 people without fights, drugs and drunkenness is a counter-cultural phenomenon,” he said.

The gathering included over 700 families who had been able to attend thanks to the ‘pay what you can’ initiative. Parachute received lots of incredible stories from punters from as far away as Christchurch who have fallen on difficult times but found joy in being able to attend.

The ever-evolving festival saw the re-introduction of the Palladium stage, which housed big names such as Ascend the Hill and The Chariot. Also in the Palladium was newcomer Zu who combined fast-paced lyrics and a room-shaking bass line for a truly bouncing set. Another newcomer to make a statement was Ascend The Hill front man’s solo project, Fistful. Davis has produced some deep and meaning tunes of the indie persuasion and filled the Deluxe with a relaxed and romantic vibe. Joel also donated part of the slot to his younger brother Seth.

Despite the rain on Friday night the crowds revelled in the folk tunes of Avalanche City. Their hit love, love, love echoed through the site as fans sang along. Friday also saw the Hardcore Showcase take over the Apollo, kicked by Auckland-based band East of Eden who proved just how powerful this genre can be.

The sun came out on Saturday as Darlene Zschech led the morning meeting. Zschech also spoke throughout the day on the importance of helping the poor.

Also promoting social justice was John Kirkby founder of Christians Against Poverty who shared his story at various seminars and press conferences over the weekend. “We’ve been really pleased with the work in New Zealand so far,” he said. “We’ve reached over 1000 people.”

Desperation Band also made its debut appearance at Parachute this year and will be releasing its new album Centre Of It All later this year. The band is pleased with the album as a collaboration. “We believe God is doing something significant with people coming together,” commented front man Jon Egan. “We’re all pretty excited about Centre Of It All because there’s a richness and a depth to the songs.”

Singer/songwriter Aaron Gillespie talked about how he wasn’t bothered about the fame and fortune of being a musician. He just wanted to glorify Jesus in everything he did, he said at a press conference. “Worship should be available to everyone, not just people who went to church,” Gillespie said. He also felt there was a place for every genre within Christian music.

Parachute’s CEO Mark de Jong spoke at the first Noise session about how for him being a manager was about finding bands you believed in and that you had visions for.

Other speakers at the Noise seminars included, Jeremy Redmore, front man for New Zealand rockers, Midnight Youth and Matt Coleman, 2010’s Music Manager of the Year who said the key to being a manager was relationships, not just with the band but with record labels.

One hundred people auditioned for Parachute’s Got Talent. One of the judges, music producer, Nic Manders said everyone who auditioned was exceptionally brave and the most interesting act for him at the audition was Samoan dancing.

The village was bustling as usual and for the brave, an Up&Go-sponsored dodge ball competition between the headliners and punters was held on Sunday afternoon.