For more than two decades members of Leicester’s Christian community drawn from many different denominations and church groups have gathered in Leicester city centre to celebrate the Easter message on Good Friday.
Over the years, these gatherings which have seen large crowds gathered in front of the stage in Humberstone Gate, have featured dramatic re-enactments of the crucifixion, music ranging from robed choirs to gospel and rap, prayers, and spoken word performances.
Last year’s event had to be cancelled at short notice in response to the Coronavirus crisis, and with public health considerations making it still inappropriate for large gatherings, Leicester at the Cross has gone online.
It will feature an hour long program which will include the musical, dramatic, and spoken elements that have always been such a significant part of the event. The event, which will include a short message from the Bishop of Leicester, the Rt Revd Martyn Snow, and greetings from a number of civic figures, has also been renamed to “Leicestershire at the Cross”, reflecting the involvement of churches and Christians from the county as well as the city.
David Hind, pastor of Trinity Life Church is one of the organisers and said: “Jesus is the good news people are looking for, and to gather as one family from many denominations to declare Jesus is Alive is a privilege”.
Bishop Martyn added: “It’s exciting to see ‘Leicester at the Cross’ back as ‘Leicestershire at the Cross’ in an online format, and I’m looking forward to the diverse Christian community of Leicester coming together to celebrate the message of Jesus’ death and resurrection at this most significant moment in the church’s calendar.”
This year’s Leicestershire at the Cross can be viewed online, and will be broadcast live on Good Friday (2nd April) between 6 and 7pm via Youtube on youtube.com/PrayingForLeicestershire