The Diocese of Durham's 'Talking Jesus' event saw 25 Anglican bishops from across the north of England including the Archbishop of York Dr John Sentamu (above) come to serve along with hundreds of volunteers at more than 450 events across the region.
Talking Jesus will be capped off on Sunday with a thanksgiving and prayer service at Durham Cathedral, where stories and testimonies from the festival will be shared and people given an opportunity to consider the difference Jesus would make to their own lives.
The event comes as the Church of England fights declining attendances, particularly in rural parts of the country and among younger people.
Bishop of Huddersfield, Rt Rev Jonathan Gibbs, told Premier: "It's a huge part of turning things around... I've been in three schools today with kids from 4 and 5 years up to 18, 19 years, and I've seen such an interest, such a level of engagement.
"People have wanted to know more about God, they've been asking real questions, and I think that is a hugely fertile ground in which the Church now needs to go on working and planting and seeing God grow."
Listen to Premier's Northern Correspondent Ian Britton talking to Rt Rev Jonathan Gibbs:
