Whit Walk brightens the Bank Holiday
26 May 2011
Hundreds of churchgoers from parishes across Manchester and Salford are set to take to the city streets on Monday 30 May for the traditional Whit Walk.
Starting from locations in both Manchester and Salford the participants will converge in Albert Square at 11.45am for an act of worship with the Witness Band and the Bishop of Bolton, Rt Revd Chris Edmundson.
The parade has been put back an hour to allow for the Manchester Untied Victory parade, this means visitors will be able to attend both events.
The Manchester contingent will assemble in Fennel Street, facing Victoria Street, at 11.00am and the Salford contingent will assemble at St Philip's Church, Salford, at 10.45am before making their way to Albert Square, where they will be greeted by the Lord Mayor of Manchester, Councillor Harry Lyons JP.
After the open-air service, the procession will continue to Manchester Cathedral. The parade will consist of twelve churches and community groups.
The Manchester Whit Walk began in 1801 and from it the Whit Walks spread to many Lancashire towns. The Whit Walk's origins lay in a celebration of the Sunday School Movement. Sunday Schools made a great impact on the lives of many children, especially in working class areas of Manchester.
Reverend Roy Chow, Organising Secretary of the Whit Walk, said "This is a long standing act of Christian witness to the cites of Manchester and Salford. We are always pleased that members of public come and support us in the street and join us in our act worship at Albert Square.
Councillor Pat Karney, city centre spokesman of the council, said, "It is a great honor for us to host the Whit Walk and parade is always spectacular. The walks are steeped in history, this is in fact the 212th walk in Manchester and it is a privilege to play a part in maintaining this noble Manchester tradition."
