THOUSANDS of people are expected to converge on the centre of Manchester tonight to take part in a live TV performance of the Easter story.
It is a tribute to Manchester's flair to mark a truly great occasion in its own style. The huge re-enactment of the Good Friday Bible story - called the Manchester Passion - culminates in a spectacular Albert Square sing-along broadcast on the BBC. The production has been given a thoroughly-modern twist with pop stars and famous actors playing the lead biblical roles and a host of legendary Mancunian pop songs instead of hymns.
When Jesus arrives in Manchester for the performance tonight it won't be on a donkey - it will be on a bike. A procession of 250 people will snake through the city centre carrying light sticks and the centrepiece of the show - an eight-metre-long luminous cross, weighing half a ton. It will take 20 men to carry it into Albert Square for the Crucifixion.
Those taking part in the parade include representatives of almost every religion, even atheists.
Spectacular
BBC Three, which will broadcast the spectacular, is inviting people to flock to Albert Square at 8 tonight to take part. A spokesman said: "Manchester Passion is a contemporary retelling of the last hours of Jesus's life told through the music of Manchester."
A crowd in Albert Square will be invited to join in songs including Sit Down by James, M People's Search for a Hero and the Oasis anthem Wonderwall. Police Insp Mike Schofield said: "There will be road closures around Albert Square from 2pm till about 11pm and rolling closures as the parade travels through the city centre."
The Passion's Albert Square highlight will see the audience being invited to choose between Jesus and Barabbas.
Bishop of Manchester Nigel McCulloch said: "Manchester Passion has a sincerity and ability to shock and connect that is not far removed from how it must have been on the first Good Friday."
Manchester Passion will be broadcast live on BBC Three at 9 tonight and on BBC Two at 11pm.
Members of the public who would like to participate are invited to Albert Square in Manchester from 7.30pm onwards.
* ON Easter Monday Clayton-born X Factor winner Shayne Ward plays a free gig in Albert Square.
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Showing comments 1 to 19 and replies | View All
Ace Riley, manchester (14/04/2006 at 14:17)
Emily, Swinton (14/04/2006 at 15:52)
Marc, Manchester (14/04/2006 at 18:39)
Paul, Middleton (14/04/2006 at 22:06)
A fantastic public art display which should be repeated.
What a shame the BBC cut off the last line of the transmission. This spoiled a truly wonderful broadcast.
Diana B, Failsworth, Manchester (14/04/2006 at 22:24)
alex mayes, wythenshawe (14/04/2006 at 23:09)
ctdm, northern quarter, manchester (15/04/2006 at 01:08)
Dorothy Brammer, Manchester (15/04/2006 at 03:27)
Donna, Warwickshire (15/04/2006 at 11:13)
Drewfus, Worsley (15/04/2006 at 11:21)
John, Romliey (15/04/2006 at 14:51)
It deserves much for the open and honest approach to telling a story which for some is religious make believe, but for many links so closely with the problems and fears we have in the 21st century.
It didwhat it said it would do, and more. There was much hidden emotion in the folk around us.
And to see it on the TV at 11pm was moving.
The picture of the giant cross in the doorway of the town hall, says much for the courage and determination of the producers.
It is an image we may do well to consider, and reflect upon.
geofff, stretford end (15/04/2006 at 15:39)
TomNTay, Prescot (15/04/2006 at 17:45)
Well done to all involved.!
kate jones, salford (17/04/2006 at 13:04)
Robert H Mager, Chorlton (18/04/2006 at 08:04)
Andy, Urmston (18/04/2006 at 14:17)
Even for a non-religious person like myself, I found it one of the most compelling bits of television from the BBC in a long while.
Keith Allen summed it up during the performance. "Only in Manchester".
Bev, Bognor Regis (18/04/2006 at 19:56)
Popeye, Ancoats (20/04/2006 at 01:57)
Macka, The South (30/04/2006 at 20:43)
Wish I'd been there.
Won't make that mistake next time