Crowds in Maidenhead mark ‘powerful message’ of Good Friday at Walk of Witness

Hundreds of people marched through Maidenhead town centre to commemorate the ‘powerful message’ of Good Friday at the annual Walk of Witness.

Accompanied by a large symbolic wooden cross, walkers recited hymns and bible readings during the procession which was the ‘best attended in many years’.

The Walk of Witness, organised by Churches Together in Maidenhead, commemorates Jesus’ crucifixion and brings together Christians from across the town.

St Mary’s Church Vicar Jon Drake said it was ‘wonderful to have such a large crowd’ at this year’s walk, adding: ‘It was the largest gathering we have had for many years’.

Walkers set out from Providence Place near Sainsbury’s superstore, through Market Place and along High Street, finishing at High Street Methodist Church.

To begin, a Salvation Army brass band led the crowd in a hymn of ‘To God be the Glory’ with walkers then proceeding to High Street where readings of Mark’s Gospel were held.

Actors from St Edmund Campion and St Mary’s led readings of the reflections of a Roman Centurion beside Jesus’ cross and a woman who witnessed Jesus’ crucifixion.

Conversations also took place between walkers, shoppers and passersby about the walk’s significance, with leaflets offered explaining ‘Why is Good Friday good?’.

The walk culminated with a hymn of ‘Crown Him with Many Crowns’ performed outside the High Street Methodist Church, followed by prayers led by ministers from three churches.

Richard Crane, who helped with organising the event, said: “This year’s walk was the best attended in many years, with over 300 service sheets handed out.

“Its increasing popularity is testament to the renewed spiritual interest which many churches are noticing across the UK.

“The God who suffered for us is a powerful message in dark and uncertain times.”

Next year’s Walk of Witness is set to take place on April 3.