WINCHESTER Cathedral will host a 48-hour festival of worship, music and prayer.
Marking the start of the Christian holiday of Pentecost will be a Tents on the Green festival which kicks off today.
During tomorrow, Tents on the Green will feature activities including a bouncy cathedral, a DIY smoothie-making stand, a youth tent and a families zone.
Visitors will also be able to have Jesus Deck readings, find out who their Saint is, and get involved in praying for or seeking healing.
Following the day’s activities, there will be a question-and-answer session in the upstairs bar of the Slug & Lettuce on the Square, followed by the opportunity to take part in overnight worship in the cathedral.
Activities will resume on Sunday, with the Rt Rev Tim Dakin, Bishop of Winchester, and the Very Rev Catherine Ogle, Dean of Winchester Cathedral, preaching on the Green.
This will be followed in the evening by the Pentecost beacon service as part of Thy Kingdom Come with an overflow screen in the Inner Close.
Diocese of Winchester’s spirituality advisor, the Rev Sally Dakin, said: “This year’s event is about Christians from all backgrounds working together to celebrate God’s love in this joyful festival.
“It’s open to those of all faiths and none; what we really want is for the weekend to be a blessing to Winchester and its people. We want to connect with people who are passing by and to make sure that everyone knows that they are loved.”
The event is expected to attract more than 3,000 people.
