2008 Photos

This year Christ in the Centre started in Castle Yard in Leicester with a dramatic presentation of John Wesley's visit to Leicester in 1770 and his message of love, forgiveness and restoration. The procession then moved to Town Hall Square for a series of scenes from Jesus' ministry - meeting with Zacchaeus the tax collector, parables of the lost sheep and the Pharisees and the tax collector, the healing of the haemorrhaging woman, the healing of the ten lepers, the raising of Lazarus, the Last Supper and the Arrest in the Garden of Gethsemane after being betrayed by Judas Iscariot. After his trial before the Sanhedrin, Jesus is led through the streets of Leicester to Humberstone Gate to be examined by the Roman Governor, Pontius Pilate. There he is flogged and eventually sentenced to death by crucifixion.

After being nailed to the cross, the final scenes of the crucifixion had Jesus comforting his mother, Mary, accompanied by his disciple John and then crying out and committing his spirit to his Father before his body was lowered into the arms of his grieving mother. His body is taken away to be buried in the tomb of Joseph of Arimathea and guards are posted to ensure his disciples did not seal his body.

At dawn on the third day, some followers went to look at the tomb and an angel told them that Jesus was not there and he had risen. They hurried to tell the other followers before Jesus triumphantly returns and gives his Great Commission.

God's message of hope, healing, love and restoration are as real in 2008 as they ever were.

The pageant was completed by closing prayers were led by the Bishop of Leicester. Kristyna Myles joined the musicians directed by Rod Iliffe to lead some of the worship. There was a time for reflection, talk prayer and song with more worship with music from the Whetstone Baptist Church praise group, Kimil Park International Church choir, a gospel choir and various testimonies until 4pm.

A video has been made of the whole event by the Leicester Movie Makers group who are offering copies for sale. If you would like purchase a copy then please join the event Mailing List or e-mail: . If anybody has photographs or videos from this year's events, we would love to see them so please contact us.

Š 2008 photos taken by Rob Marsh of R.M. Freelance Photography
Other photos from various photographers can be viewed here
The special event music was composed by Kendal Kirkland and arranged & orchestrated by Rod Iliffe (Musical Director).
The production team and SWORD are extremely grateful for all those who participated in this year's performance. If you are interested in getting involved in future productions (acting, music, technical, event management, photography, filming etc. please e-mail: .

Some images taken by Rob Marsh of R.M. Freelance Photography Š2008 - to see more of the 195 photographs taken by Rob, visit his website where copies can be ordered.

These and other photographs of this year's events are available for purchase by contacting Rob Marsh through his website

GOOD FRIDAY 21st March 2008 Š 2008 R.M.
John Wesley (David Briggs) rides into Castle Yard	John Wesley preaches in Castle Yard

	Zacchaeus (Bill Turner), the tax collector
Jesus (James Burke-Dunsmore) telling some parables	Jesus heals the haemorrhaging woman
Jesus heals the lepers	Mary (Hilary Surridge), weeps over Lazarus, her brother's death
Lazarus (Andrew Dawes), wrapped in shroud, emerges from the tomb	Lazarus' sisters, Mary & Martha, are overjoyed
News of Jesus' miracles spreads	Meanwhile High Priest Caiaphas (Vic Meredith), the Pharisees & Sadducees plot to destroy Jesus
Jesus leads his disciples at a last supper before his arrest	The betrayal by Judas (Mark Gray) in the Garden of Gethsemane
False accusations before the Sanhedrin	Punched and kicked ("bruised for our iniquities")
Judas hangs himself for his treachery	Jesus is led away to be examined by Pontius Pilate, the Roman Governor

The Narrator (Mark Webb) with Pontius Pilate (Mark Wood)	Who is to be released? Barabbas or Jesus
Jesus is flogged (39 lashes) ...	... watched by the crowd of followers
Roman soldiers mock Jesus ...	... and his followers cannot bear to watch.
They crown his with thorns ...	... as his followers despair.
Jesus is led away to be crucified	"Jesus of Nazareth - King of the Jews", is crucified
At the third hour, darkness came over the land and there was an earthquake	His followers are distraught
On the third day ... "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me."	"And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age."
Musicians in front of the empty cross	Kristyna Myles

Christ in the Centre - Good Friday 2008 - LEICESTER