Why do we do what we do?

Open Heavens is a creative, grassroots, open-air music event that brings people together through three key pillars:
Purposeful storytelling, local creativity & neighbourly community.

It is intrinsically underpinned by faith, Christian values and a Christian community.
The Open Heavens events are intentionally curated and presented by the Open Heavens Collective – a creative community made up of local like-minded musicians, songwriters, sound techs and production crew. The events are designed to encourage audiences of many different walks of life to ask deeper questions, and foster an atmosphere that naturally allows them to feel loved, valued and welcomed whilst doing so.

The evenings are therefore organically evangelistic (see definition below), rather than being explicitly evangelistic.

Organically Evangelistic: Intentionally unforced, with a focus on connection over conviction or discomfort. Welcoming to a non-Christian work colleague, neighbour, or family member. No alter call, no explicitly Christian language, not preachy. Designed to plant seeds rather than facilitate harvest.

1. Purposeful Storytelling
An intentional setlist with an overarching meta-narrative is curated to guide the evening’s flow. Original songs by local artists, particularly those written by the Open Heavens Collective, form the foundation of this story arc, whilst classic and well-known songs also provide touch-points for the audience throughout the night and speak to the meta-narrative themes. Featured artists bringing original songs are thoughtfully selected in order to contribute specifically to the story arc. The original songs are often testimonial in nature- reflective, authentic and resonant- whilst still aligning with the organically evangelistic tone of the event.

Through storytelling and music we create space to plant seeds of truth and meaning in an unforced way.

2. Local Creativity

Backed by a standard of excellence, Open Heavens exists to give platform to local creatives such in a context where their songs, music and creative giftings can be shared and appreciated. Through our commitment to storytelling, local songwriters have the unique opportunity to feature in the evenings, sharing their original songs and the stories behind them. This is done in a way that contributes to the overarching meta-narrative of the evening, and is presented to an audience that is engaged and involved. By showcasing and elevating this collective of local musicians, songwriters, sound techs and production crew, each event becomes a celebration of the community’s unique voice and sound, and promotes the values of authenticity and intimacy.

3. Neighbourly Community

Held outdoors in a relaxed, open-air setting, Open Heavens fosters a warm, inclusive atmosphere- one that feels more like a gathering of neighbours than an event. Attendees sit on picnic rugs, share space and engage naturally. The atmosphere is intimate- not necessarily by crowd size, but by spirit.

A team of ‘culture-planters’ is present during the evenings, existing to intentionally foster the atmosphere of connection & belonging aligned with the vision & values underpinning the event. Conversational interaction by the artists further reinforces the authentic, natural and intimate tone.
Growth is organic, often championed by returning attendees with a sense of shared ownership, and a personal alignment with the Open Heavens vision.

Each event carries an outward focus, partnering with charitable causes, and naturally incorporating their stories and purpose into the evening. Audiences are encouraged to embrace the values of generosity and care for their own ‘neighbours’ in a philanthropic sense.

Together, these threads form the fabric of Open Heavens.
Offering a natural and beautiful way to experience neighbourly community, local creativity and deeper story – an evening where everyone is welcomed and embraced, and something meaningful is shared.