Good Friday in the Open Air

A large open air service will take place in Guildhall Square in Southampton on 29th March to mark Good Friday.

The event is organised by a number of local churches of all denominations working together to remember the meaning of this special day in the church calendar. Notably, it will be the first public collective church event in Southampton since the COVID pandemic. 

The Anglican Bishop of Southampton, Bishop Geoff Annas, will take part in the service along with the Catholic Canon Michael Dennehy, and other senior church leaders from across the city. There will be music, prayer, drama and a chance to share the story of the cross and the Easter message of hope, love and forgiveness.  The service will go from having a sombre tone towards celebratory to reflect the Easter story. 

A large stage will be set up in Guildhall Square and it is hoped that hundreds of people will join the event.  It starts at 11.30am with live music on the stage and the service will begin at midday.

Paul Woodman, Church Leader of City Life Church, said “The service is open to anyone to attend and will be a public celebration of Good Friday. For us, this is a pivotal day to our faith believing Jesus died as part of God’s plan for this world. There is a time to reflect on Good Friday while also looking forward with a sure and certain hope of the resurrection of Jesus on Easter Sunday. We hope to convey in the service both the meaning of the death of Jesus and the hope of the resurrection that we celebrate as Christians of all denominations.”

Timetable of events:

11.30

Musical Prelude

Salvation Army / Music from stage

12.05

Welcome

Paul Woodman and Nicky Porter

12.10

When I survey

Salvation Army

12.15

Opening prayer

Canon Michael Dennehy

12.20

Matthew 27:45-54 (NIV)

Sarah Hall

12.25

In Christ Alone

Combined worship team

12.30

Centurion Drama

Neil Maddock

12.40

Living Hope

Combined worship team

12.45

Talk

Steve Lee

13.00

Prayer

Including prayers for peace

Bishop Geoff Annas

13.05

Happy Day

Combined worship team

13.10

O praise the name

Combined worship team

13.15

The Lord’s Prayer

Temi Oloruntuyi

13.20

Reading of ‘The Blessing’ in union

13.25

Closing - Paul Woodman and Nicky Porter

Music

Covenant Church