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Thousands join in March for Jesus through Belfast

Luke SprouleBBC News NI
News imageBBC A woman with long brown hair and clear-lensed glasses wears red lipstick as she smiles to the camera. She holds a red flag in her left hand. Behind her his a large crowd of people, out-of-focus. BBC
Deborah McCracken said she believes Jesus can change the trajectory of Northern Ireland

Thousands of people gathered for the second "March for Jesus" event in Belfast on Saturday afternoon.

After four hours of build-up at Ormeau Park the parade left at 14:00 BST and wound its way through the city centre before finishing at Belfast City Hall.

The crowd then took part in worship, prayer and listened to testimony from fellow Christians as part of the wider March for Jesus movement.

Deborah McCracken from Ballymena said she had been inspired to return after the 2025 event.

News imageA large crowd of people march along a busy city centre street. The man at the front holds a large purple flag. He wears a purple Hi-Viz jacket, navy trousers and a navy top.
This year's participants weren't put off by chilly and damp conditions

Celebration of Christian faith

"It was an incredible time seeing churches and Christians from across the nation come together," she said.

"We're all here in unity to celebrate Jesus and to let people know that he is the hope of the world.

"Jesus changed my life and I believe he can change the trajectory of what this nation stands for."

The event is described as a non-political, family-friendly event to celebrate the Christian faith.

It is organised by Christian Voice Ireland, which is made up of a group of churches and ministers from across the island.

Many of the crowd carried flags and banners bearing slogans such as "Our nation for Jesus".

Organisers had encouraged people not to bring national flags of any kind to the march.

Luke Dean, who is originally from the United States, travelled from Moira in County Down to take part in the event.

News imageA man with short-brown hair and a long brown beard smiles to the camera. Behind him is a crowd of people, out-of-focus. The man wears a green waterproof jacket and has a guitar case on his back.
Luke Dean, who is originally from the United States, travelled from Moira to attend the march

"I've come here to be with lovers of Jesus," he said.

"At a time like this there's a lot of darkness, in Jesus there's the light, there's the hope, there's salvation."

The 2025 event drew an estimated crowd of 8,000 and a large event also took place last year in Dublin.

This year's Belfast participants weren't put off by chilly and damp conditions.

News imageA man with clear spectacles and a grey moustache stairs to the camera. He wears a navy waterproof jacket, with a green fleece underneath. Over his left shoulder is a white police van. Over his right, a baby sits in a cream pram below a clear window.
This is Ray Quinn's second year attending the march

Ray Quinn was also attending for his second year in a row.

"I've come to support my belief and see other people supporting it," he said.

"I come to see the fellowship among like-minded people and hopefully reach other people.

"As Jesus said, if there are two or more gathered 'I am amongst you', so he is amongst us all."