Where to celebrate Easter in Sunderland this Good Friday

Pilgrims gathered on Tunstall Hill for the annual Good Friday raising of the cross and passion play last year.

For 120 years, a procession was held through Sunderland on Good Friday, but the tradition was cancelled when a change of health and safety rules put an end to it in 2010.

In its place, the gathering in Mowbray Park was set up to give churches a joint event, congregating at the bandstand for readings and songs.

This year’s event will start at 1pm and will be led by Reverend David Hands, of the Church of the Nazarene in Millfield, and feature the Salvation Army’s branches from across the city and the West End Churches Together, with about 100 churches invited.

Rev Hands said: “People will be able to remember the death of Jesus on that first Good Friday.

“This brings people together from all different groups and churches to offer prayers.”

This year’s Walk of Witness at Tunstall Hill will be held at 10am following a tradition which has run for more than 50 years.

The Penshaw Bowl will also be held tomorrow, with the egg rolling to take place in the amphitheatre in Herrington Country Park in a move from Penshaw Monument’s hill.

Children aged 11 and under can take along their decorated egg, clearly marked with their name and age, ready to begin their egg rolling at either 1pm or 2pm, with registration in advance advised.

All other activities will start at 1pm and will run until 4pm.