A Christian fundraising committee is aiming to raise £600 to keep the historic Manchester and Salford Ecumenical Whit Walk running after 225 years.
The traditional procession intends to return to the cities on Monday May 25, with organisers ensuring the event allows communities to come together in celebration and faith.
On its Facebook page, the Whit Walk Organisation Committee said: “We want to ensure that this beautiful event continues to thrive and inspire.
“We need your support to keep this tradition alive.”
The event is projected to cost £4000, with costs including traffic management, insurance and a sufficient sound system.
While most of the cost is covered by registration fees and grant funding, the Committee hopes to raise the remaining £600 from donations.
So far, the committee has raised £90, which is only 15% of the goal. Organisers said every donation counts towards keeping the special event going.
The walk will begin at 10am in Cathedral Gardens, Manchester, and members of the public are urged to join the procession in St Peter’s Square later in the walk for a short act of worship.
Previous Whit Walks have seen the congregations of multiple churches, brass bands and members of the community parading through the streets.
Reverend Caroline Hewitt, a member of the Whit Walk Organising Committee and a Parish Priest in Northern Moor and Wythenshawe, said: “It is our opportunity to show publicly that our faith in Jesus is alive and active.
“It is a colourful and joyful occasion and everyone is welcome to join in.”
People are invited to register their church or group for the Whit Walk and participate in this year’s event.
To request a registration form, email revd.caroline.hewitt@gmail.com.
More information about the fundraising attempt can be found here.
