The annual procession marked one of the most significant dates in the Christian calendar, commemorating the crucifixion of Jesus Christ.
Local churches organised the event, bringing together members of different congregations for the walk through the heart of the town.
Participants set off from Kings Church before heading down Victoria Hill and into the town centre. The group stopped outside the former Debenhams building, where hymns were sung and prayers were shared.
Swindon’s Mayor, Fay Howard, was among those taking part and addressed the crowd during the event. She said:
“Good Friday is a very important date in the Christian calendar. It’s a date when we remember that Jesus died on the Cross. Christians have been walking through towns for many years to remember this and to take time and reflect on Jesus’s death.
“I was able to join one of these marches in the town today. We started at Kings Church where some of the young congregation showed me round and we enjoyed taking a selfie.
We then walked down Victoria Hill, through the town centre, stopping outside the old Debenhams. Here there was singing, prayers and messages from different speakers.
“I was able to address those gathered and explain how my faith has shaped my journey, right through to becoming Swindon’s Mayor.”
The Mayor also spoke about the wider Easter message and handed out chocolate eggs to those attending.
“For many Easter is all about the chocolate eggs,” she said. “For Christians this reminds them that although Jesus died, on Easter Sunday he rose from the dead, giving everybody opportunity for new life.
Some people feel the egg represents the tomb that Jesus came from, others a symbol of new life and spring. They all enjoy the chocolate.”
The walk concluded at Discovery Church on Lagos Street. Those who attended were offered hot drinks and hot cross buns at the end of the procession. Fay added:
“May I take this opportunity to wish everybody a happy Easter and an enjoyable long bank holiday weekend.”
The event highlighted the continued role of faith groups in Swindon, with churches coming together to share a public act of remembrance and hope during the Easter period.
