Hundreds celebrate Good Friday in Southampton centre

Worshippers from all over the city gathered in the Guildhall Square to listen to songs of praise at a special outdoor service.

Organisers say that around 600 people attended, and are hailing the event as a success.

Despite the wind, attendees enjoyed mostly dry weather, though it did rain immediately afterwards.

Singers from the Covenant Church (Image: Cristiano Magaglio)

The event also served as the first joint church service for the new Bishop of Southampton, Rhiannon King.

She said: "It is very exciting to be here. 

"You hear all these stories about the horrible things happening in the world, and the Easter message is exactly what people need to hear.

"It is about how God loves us and the death and resurrection of Jesus bring hope to our lives."

Paul Woodman and Bishop Rhiannon King (Image: Cristiano Magaglio)

Among those attending was Claire Perry, who turned up early out of excitement for the event. She said: "I am looking forward to the worship and the choir. It is about remembering Jesus dying and resurrecting in victory."

Also at the open-air service were Clare Sheehan and Alan Baker. Clare said: "I think it is important, it is remembering Jesus's death, and it is good to do that in public and for everyone to get together."

Clare Sheehan and Alan Baker (Image: Cristiano Magaglio)

Alan added: "Jesus is the Lord of home and hearth, and he is my saviour and number one, it's great to worship him in this context and talk about him to people around us, especially on Good Friday."

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Jemimah Collett (Image: Cristiano Magaglio)

Jemimah Collett attended with her family. She said: "As a Christian, Easter means a lot to me. It is the reason the church exists and especially on Good Friday.

"Just being with like-minded people is part of it, having fun and coming together.

In addition to the singers from Covenant Church, there were also several prayers, sermons and even a dramatic performance from the perspective of Judas after he betrayed Jesus.

Steve Lee (Image: Cristiano Magaglio) READ MORE: Christians gather at Guildhall Square for Good Friday service 2024

Steve Lee of Miracle Street had the second-floor door of a double-decker bus open so he could address the crowd. He said: "I started in the streets of Southampton in the late 80s, so it feels like coming back to my roots in a way."

Event organiser, Paul Woodman, leader of City Life Church, hailed it as a success.

"What is really important is that we are all from different churches and backgrounds, but we all have that common belief," Paul said.

"It is nice to come together and celebrate that."