The 23rd of May 2009 marked the birth of Encounter Fest in Welkom. Encounter Fest was held at Welkom Club and was attended by many. Looking back at the event itself and everything that happened before the event, one is truly left speechless. Encounter Fest was born out of the small idea of inviting one band to Welkom; the band accepted the invitation instantaneously.  The band then started suggesting other bands who would love to play in our little town and before we could wipe our eyes we had a 16 band festival on our hands.

 

Encounter Fest truly had it all, from excitement to criticism, from encouragement to doubt, this whole festival was a real faith step from starting with literally nothing to standing on the morning of the 23rd looking at a beautiful fully built up stage ready to grace the hottest talent in the Christian music scene. The Festival itself was pulsating, it had a life of its own, there was energy that started from the first band which just grew and grew and climaxed with New Altum delivering a powerful and inspirational performance.

 

The talent at the festival was something you truly have to have heard to understand, it was truly awesome. The styles varied from Jazz through Alternative all the way to Hardcore (Screamo). The individuals in the bands were all amazing people who had a positive influence on all the people who were fortunate enough to spend time with them. Encounter Fest birthed a new freedom in a lot of people in Welkom and shattered many stereotypical mindsets and really revealed the hearts of many individuals who on appearance looked rather ominous.

 

The best way I can explain Encounter Fest is that it was truly a breath of life to the town and every individual that attended the festival, the festival enriched many lives and opened many eyes and ears to what God has placed in people in our own country and our town.