A SPECTACULAR outdoor Passion 2000 play, which organisers believe is the first of its kind in East Lancashire, is set to take place in Great Harwood.

The Churches Together in Great Harwood are staging 'Passion 2000 - The Cross and Beyond' on Good Friday evening.

The public promenade performance will recount the biblical story from Palm Sunday, when Jesus entered Jerusalem on a donkey, through to when he was crucified. The play will end with Christ being resurrected.

The various scenes will be performed at different places throughout the town, including outside Mercer Hall, in Towngate and at Memorial Park.

It is envisaged that the people of Great Harwood will form the crowd, but about 40 will be needed to be rehearsed and organised in order to lead the rest of the people both in 'rioting' and leading them from venue to venue.

There are three workshops taking place at the Central Methodist Hall, King Street, Great Harwood, this month, during which the main characters, Christ, Judas, Mary and The Disciples will be cast.

Rehearsals will then take place through Lent, starting on March 11, with the play taking place on April 21.

If you live in Great Harwood and are interested in taking part, the workshops are being held on January 9 from 2pm to 5pm; January 11 from 7pm to 10pm; and January 15 from 2pm to 5pm.

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