Organisers of the March for Jesus in Belfast are anticipating their largest crowd yet, with hopes of drawing 15,000 participants to this year’s event.
The family-friendly celebration on 16 May will see Christians gather at Ormeau Park, before marching through the city to Belfast City Hall.
In 2024, the event was revived in Ireland after a 30-year hiatus. It’s been back with a bang; organisers estimate that 8000 people attended last year’s gathering.
“We’re believing for 15,000 people at the event this year, so a double on last year’s Belfast event,” said leader Pastor John Ahern. “Ministers from various denominations are going to pray on the day to proclaim the hope of the Gospel, there’s going to be a big emphasis on worship, and I believe it’s going to be another positive and uplifting day for Belfast!”
Ahern emphasised that the event will be non-political, and has discouraged attendees from bringing national or political flags.
March for Jesus events first sparked in London in 1987, and quickly spread worldwide. In 2000, its original organisers described it as being “over to you”, as Roger Forster and Graham Kendrick stepped back from organising the marches. Yet, this year, the original London event will return, rebranded as the Jesus March.
“There are so many other marches in London at the moment,” organiser Henry George told Premier Christianity. “They are noisy and are making different connections and claims to Jesus, some on the extreme far right, some on the extreme far left… we wanted to make this change to emphasise that it is Jesus who is moving. It is Jesus who is marching.”
Pastor Ahern hopes the Belfast march will highlight a quiet revival across Ireland and Northern Ireland. “It’s wonderful to see what’s happening across the island, particularly with our younger demographic, though it’s never too late to turn to Christ.”
“Bring your family, your friends, your neighbours, your colleagues, your church,” he added. “Let’s march for Jesus and lift his name high!”
