Sunderland re-enacts Jesus' crucifixion journey as Walk of Witness makes Good Friday return to city

People in Sunderland have been taking part in the annual Walk of Witness event.

Transcript

00:00crucified. Crucify him. Crucify him. Their voices finally prevailed. Pilate then gave his verdict.

00:11Their demand was to be granted. He released the man they asked for. Okay, and Rebecca, I've just

00:17asked you about the importance of today's event and how important is it to remember the true meaning

00:20of Easter? I think it's such an important event. It's great that the students can reenact the

00:27passion as well. So people can actually kind of see with their own eyes and almost step

00:31into the story for a little bit. I just think it's something that's happened for so long

00:36in the city as well. And it's just lovely that people still come out. It's a real community

00:40event. It's a real family event. And it's just really important to, I think it's lovely

00:44to start the Easter weekend doing the Walk of Witness. It just really kicks things off

00:51for the Easter weekend. And how symbolic is it to see that crossover look on the city?

00:54I think it's fabulous. I mean, the view from Tunstall Hill is wonderful. You know, you

00:58can see the whole city there and to have the cross looking over the city is quite moving

01:04actually. And I think people really love looking up during Easter and seeing the cross on Tunstall

01:10Hill.

01:24Well, can you just tell me why it was important for you to be here today for the Walk of Witness?

01:35Yes. Well, we feel that this is the most important time of Easter. You know, Christmas is, all the

01:44children look forward to Christmas, but this is the most important time when, you know, Jesus

01:48died so we could be saved. I understand you've been come since you were a child, is that right?

01:54Yes. Sort of like in the beginning of the junior thing and the beginning of the seniors. And

02:01then forever since then. And how striking or how much of a reminder is it seeing the cross

02:06on Tunstall Hill here overlooking the city? Well, it's, go on. Well, I think Jesus came into

02:14the world, you know what I mean? He did loads of, um, his life's amazing. And he went through

02:22so many trials and tribulations with it. And then to be crucified on the cross the way he

02:29was and everything and rise from the dead. And he knew it was all going to happen to him

02:34from him being young, you know. And do you think it's a good reminder seeing the cross

02:38above the city? It's a reminder for the people of Sumlin the true meaning of Easter. King

02:45of the Jews. How can we understand what crucifixion is like? How have we ourselves been held up,

02:56arms outstretched and vulnerable, a spectacle for all to see?