"Not just about Easter eggs!" Crowds march through South Shields for 175th Procession of Witness
Crowds gather to celebrate Good Friday as the Easter weekend in South Tyneside got underway to the beat of marching bands.
Music filled the air as parishioners from seven churches across the community marched on the centre of South Shields for the annual Procession of Witness.
Organised by South Shields Sunday School Union, the churches from all over South Tyneside took part in the traditional gathering, culminating in a public service at the Old Town Hall on Market Place.
This year marked the 175th anniversary of the procession and the event drew people from across South Tyneside who, despite the chilly grey skies, filled up the market place.
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“It’s lovely seeing all the churches coming together” explained Julie Price of Westoe Baptist Church.
“I’ve been part of the church since I was born so I remember doing the march as a guide and as part of the church for 45 years so it’s nice to see it’s still going and there are so many people turning up for it.”
The largest group of marchers headed into the town centre along Westoe Road, meeting with Westoe Baptist Church at the current town hall.
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This group met a smaller congregation of marchers travelling from Mile End Road at King Street before all seven churches finished the final stretch of their journey together to the sound of drums and music from the bands leading the procession.
‘It’s not just about the Easter egg!’
“It’s nice to remind people what Easter is actually about” added Julie, who has been at her church since 2013.
“It’s not just about the Easter egg!”
Once groups reached the Old Town Hall they were met by Mayor of South Shields, Councillor Jay Potts.
Speaking to the crowds as part of the service, Cllr Potts said: “Thank you for gathering today to be part of the Good Friday Procession.
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“Good Friday invites us to pause and consider themes which seep across all communities - compassion, sacrifice and hope.
“To those who have come to participate in dignity and respect, your presence reflects the spirit, care and togetherness that defines our town.”
Andrew Carter, temporary manager of Grace Place, a drop-in site in South Shields also addressed the crowd with a story of worship before the throng dispersed.
Groups left their respective churches from 9am, meeting along the route before the service got underway at 10am.
This continued for just over half an hour before groups left to perform services specific to their own places of worship.
‘We’re passing it on to the next generation’
Marches were led by bands from each church with young musicians leading the way.
“It’s like passing it on to the next generation so I couldn’t be prouder” added Pastor Julie Price.
The churches taking part in this year’s event were Living Waters Church of St Jude’s Terrace, The People's Mission on Fort Street, Westoe Baptist Church on Romilly Street, Bethesda Church of Victoria Road, The Salvation Army on Wawn Street, West Harton Methodist Church on Boldon Lane and Beacon Vineyard Church.
The public service was also attended by both South Tyneside MPs, Emma Lewell of the South Shields constituency and Kate Osborne, MP for Jarrow and Gateshead East. Neither spoke as part of the service.