The 200 year-old tradition returning to Manchester City Centre

Honouring a tradition established more than 200 years ago, Whit Walk processions started in 1801 to celebrate the birthday of the Church, with Christians coming together every year to share in their faith.

The Manchester & Salford Whit Walk is a happy occasion when groups from local churches meet in a walk of witness and to celebrate the ‘birthday’ of the Church.

Christians from across the diocese will process together through the City Centre.

Last year, the sun shone over Manchester city centre as crowds lined the streets to cheer on the churches parading their banners, while the Greenfield Brass Band, Manchester Regiment Church Lads & Church Girls Brigade Brass Band and Christ Church Ashton CLCGB led the procession from Manchester Cathedral to Deansgate.

Manchester Whit Walk

This vibrant event invites families and people of all ages to come and support those taking part and join in a collective Act of Worship at St Peter’s Square led by Dean Rogers Govender, Dean of Manchester, who will be joined by Bishop Matthew Porter, Bishop of Bolton, and Bishop Mark Davies, Bishop of Middleton.

Bishop David Walker, Bishop of Manchester

Bishop David Walker, Bishop of Manchester, attended his first Whit Walk as a small child.

He said: “I must have gone on my own first Whit Walk before I was even out of my pram.

“The Walks remain an important event among the traditions of Manchester and its surrounds. I hope that many will join or watch them this year.”

A North of England tradition

Bishop Matthew Porter, who will be preaching at this year’s Whit Walk, said: “This part of the North of England has a great tradition of Whit Walks, where followers of Jesus walk together, witness together, and pray together. As a new bishop in the Diocese of Manchester, I look forward to joining in for the first time this year.”

Dean Rogers Govender, Manchester Cathedral said: “Last year’s Whit Walks were an absolute joy, with communities coming together in the sunshine to parade the city centre streets. The turnout was incredible, not only from the churches taking part but also from the crowds who came out to show their support for this time-honoured tradition.

“We welcome families and individuals across the borough to join us this Bank Holiday Monday to support this incredible day for all the community.”

Revd Canon Daniel Burton added: “We are thrilled that the Whit Walks are back. This is our day – an annual opportunity to celebrate our faith on the streets of Manchester and to affirm the huge contribution made by local churches to the civic life of Greater Manchester.”

The Whit Walk organising committee is raising money for this year’s Manchester & Salford Ecumenical Whit Walk.

To help cover the costs, a GoFundMe account has been set up. If you can donate to help to help ensure the Whit Walks continue then head here

Manchester Whit Walk timings 2024

9.30 am – Assemble in Cathedral Gardens (behind Manchester Cathedral)
10.00 am – Procession begins at Manchester Cathedral, heading to St Peter’s Square via Deansgate
10.45 am – Worship in St Peter’s Square led by Dean Rogers Govender

You can find out more about the Whit Walk by clicking here