A full day of Pentecost street celebrations will take place on Hope Street for the first time, as Liverpool’s cathedrals join forces with the council and community to expand the existing biannual event.

The iconic street which links the two cathedrals will be transformed into a stage for performers, singers and artists on 15 May in addition to the traditional ‘two cathedrals walk’.

For 34 years the walk, which sees thousands of people process between Liverpool Cathedral and Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral in a show of unity, has taken place in the city to mark Pentecost – a celebration of the descent of the Holy Spirit on the Apostles.

In 2016 though, three hours of free entertainment is being lined up to take place from midday prior to the walk, with samba bands, the Liverpool Welsh Choral, stilt performers, dancers and creations from the Liverpool Lantern Company set to feature.

The traditional procession will then take place at 3pm with anyone joining in being asked to wear red or white clothing – the colours associated with Pentecost.  The parade will culminate with a major act of worship from the steps of the Metropolitan Cathedral.

Ahead of the event, which is being coordinated by Liverpool City Council in partnership with Visit Hope Street CIC, director of culture Claire McColgan, says: “We made a commitment to support events which showcase the different sides of the city – whether that’s in terms of a story that’s there to be told, or the location in which it will unfold.

“Pentecost achieves just that – a street of hope which is bookended by two inspirational cathedrals creates a magnificent canvas on which a truly international story of hope can unfold.”

Matthew Linley, CEO and artistic director of Unity Theatre, is the creative director for the event and says: ‘Pentecost is a fantastic opportunity for Hope Street to work with the cathedrals and the free churches to bring the area alive and showcase what can be achieved here.  We hope this is the first of many such events.”

BBC cameras will be on hand to capture the event for a future ‘Songs of Praise’ broadcast.

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