In November last year, hundreds of young people from across Newham gathered at St Antony’s Catholic Church, Forest Gate, on Saturday, 22 November for IGNITE 2025 – a vibrant day of worship, music, and testimony that has become one of the borough’s most anticipated Catholic youth events.

Organised by the Newham Deanery Youth Council, the programme began with a joyful Deanery Mass, celebrated by parish clergy and animated by youth choirs and readers. From the outset, the tone was one of reverence and celebration.

The day featured an impressive lineup of performers and speakers. Artist Adenike Adewale set hearts alight with powerful songs, while actor and author Paterson Joseph inspired attendees with stories from his book TEN: Children Who Changed the World, urging young people to embrace courage and justice.

Afternoon highlights included a stirring address from Monsignor John Armitage, dynamic performances by Blessed Dance Group and Young Athena, and heartfelt reflections from youth speaker Edward Badu on faith and resilience. Music remained central throughout, with sets from NDYsing, Onose, Redemption Flame, and parish choirs, culminating in an uplifting finale by MIC Choir.

The event closed with a communal prayer, leaving participants energised and united. IGNITE 2025 showcased the creativity and faith of Newham’s Catholic youth – a living example of a Church alive with hope and diversity.

To read the full story and see more pictures from the day, click here<<

Full credit to Deanery News (a project of Newham Deanery Youth Community)