MAGNITUDE 2026

The sun shone brightly for Magnitude this year, Scotland’s Christian youth festival, which took place Saturday 18-Wednesday 22 of July. More young people attended than ever before, with over 1,900 stepping into the opportunity to encounter Jesus and be empowered to live out his calling on their lives. Together with youth leaders and volunteers, there were 2,700 onsite across the five days.

The amazing weather added to the holiday atmosphere among the sea of tents pitched across the beautiful landscape of Lendrick Muir, SU Scotland’s largest outdoor residential centre near Kinross. As 104 church and youth groups gathered in clustered areas of the campsite, there was a sense of small villages within the larger community of the festival with relationships deepening and new friendships developing.

The wide range of vendors, exhibitors, sports tournaments and entertainment options created a carnival-feel, but when asked, the 11-18 year old young people frequently sited a specific time of Bible teaching or worship as their favourite part of Magnitude. 

The main teaching this year focused on some of the Bible’s Old Testament characters highlighted in Hebrews 11: Abraham, Moses, Enoch, David, Noah, Rahab and Sarah. This brought out a strong theme of faith and trusting God in every situation, as each of these historical figures were commended for. The speakers in the ‘Big Top’ marquee were incredibly engaging as they unpacked how we can choose to walk by faith in our daily lives. The roof of the marquee was raised with the sound of powerful worship as young people responded to what God was saying to them, with over 90 New Christian Packs given away. 

One young person said:

“I came home today! I thought I was doing it right, but God showed me how lost I was, and He forgave me!”

Young people who found the crowds and noise of the Big Top too much could enjoy a calmer atmosphere in the ‘Wee Top’. The teaching was broken into shorter chunks and creative resources were provided at each table throughout the sessions. One young person who drew and doodled throughout said:

“I’ve never been able to concentrate on the teaching before, but today I took everything that was said in for the first time.”

A menu of opt-in seminars and creative workshops were available in the afternoons with relevant themes and topics to help young people with their big questions, to embrace their identity in Christ, to explore the Bible and prepare for what God has planned for them.

Supported by 104 churches and over 200 volunteers from across Scotland, Magnitude remains a life-changing space where young people are discipled, encouraged, and equipped to follow Jesus. Event Manager, Kirsty Haxton said:

“Magnitude 2026 was an incredible experience. The highlight for me was seeing the huge response to a call to be bold in sharing your faith. You could feel the young people’s level of excitement to share Jesus when they left the festival, so we know the impact will pour into schools, homes, churches and communities across Scotland.”