This year’s Flame, a gathering for young Catholics from across England and Wales, has sold out the OVO Wembley arena, with famous adventurer Bear Grylls OBE one of the star speakers.
On Saturday March 15, 10,000 young Catholics, including a group from our diocese, will travel to London to celebrate their faith, take in talks from outstanding Catholic and Christian speakers, listen to music and performances from headline acts, and place Christ at the heart of their worship with Adoration led by Cardinal Vincent Nichols.
Speaking ahead of the event, Bear Grylls, echoed this year’s theme of Flame, which is ‘Unstoppable: Fan the Flame of Hope’ by saying: “May God bless you and all who you share this with. Remember: with the Almighty within us we are unstoppable!”
Bear is world-renowned for his survival skills and a former member of the British Special Forces and will also release his new book, The Greatest Story Ever Told, a series of eyewitness accounts of Jesus’ life.
Every attendee will receive a copy of his book, which aims to make the Gospel more accessible for young people. He said: “I’m so excited to share this book with you … it’s all our stories, really.”
Alongside Bear will be Bryan Enriquez, a founding member of the Hallow app, which is now the number one Catholic prayer and meditation app. 
Isaac Harvey MBE, a disability advocate and content creator, who has modelled for London Fashion Week to promote adaptive fashion and has featured in Vogue, is also due to speak.
Isaac leads Wheels and Wheelchairs, where roller skaters push wheelchair users and champions inclusivity through various charity roles.
Father Dominic Howarth, a priest of Brentwood Diocese, and co-chair of the Flame Core Group, said:  “At a time when Pope Francis is so deeply in our thoughts and prayers, it is a particular blessing to be inspired by his Jubilee theme, Pilgrims of Hope.
“Flame 2025 is a testament to the hard work and dedication of many, many teachers, chaplains, priests and youth leaders from across the country – some of them will be leaving with groups of young people at 4am, and returning well after midnight! 
“The programme is packed with speakers and musicians who will share life stories and images that offer a joyful vision of Christ-centred hope. We are looking forward to a wonderful day, to ‘fan the flame of hope’ for young people, parishes and schools across the country.”
There will be music performed by Guvna B, Lily-Jo, World Youth Dance Crew, One Hope Project, and Adenike Adewale.