CHRISTIANS across Reading took part in special services to mark the events of Holy Week.
It was the first time in three years that churches could welcome people to join them in worship to remember the events of the first Easter.
A planned Palm Sunday procession in Broad Street had to be cancelled after members of the Salvation Army band caught covid.
However, they were able to play during an open-air service in Forbury Gardens on Easter Sunday.
Led by Michael Penny, the chair of Churches Together in Reading, more than 70 people gathered around the bandstand at 8am for an early morning celebration.
Hymns included the Easter favourite Thine Be The Glory, and modern classic Shine Jesus Shine.
An address was given by the Revd Julie Binney, minister of nearby Abbey Baptist Church, the venue for hot cross buns and refreshments afterwards.
And churches came together on Good Friday for walks for witnesses.
In Southcote, they started from Grange URC, walking to St Matthew’s and then Southcote Family Church, for a service.
And in Tilehurst, churches walked from their buildings to The Triangle for an open-air act of witness.
