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Thousands March for Jesus in Belfast

Adam MandevilleBBC News NI
BBC A woman with brown hair and sunglasses smiles at the camera, She is wearing a white t-shirt, and is holding a sign which reads 'Jesus (heart shape) YOU'. There are a number of parked cars behind the woman, as well as a large patch of grass, several trees, and a crowd of people. BBC
Edith said she was "really surprised" by the number of people at the parade

Thousands of people have taken part in a "March for Jesus" across Belfast.

The march started at 14:00 BST at the Ormeau Embankment and headed down through Ravenhill Road towards the city, ending up at Belfast City Hall.

Police had warned about traffic delays in the city centre on Saturday afternoon.

The service at City Hall was led by the musician Brian Houston and had speakers from various churches.

Pacemaker A group of people march down a road. Two ladies are dressed in white dresses which say words like Jesus and Redeemer on it. Pacemaker
Participants walked down the Ravenhill Road towards the city centre

Organisers of the non-denominational event said it was a "family-friendly, non-political event to lift up the name of Jesus in Belfast city".

The Parades Commission application, from the All Nations Church, said organisers were anticipating a crowd of about 5,000.

Edith, who travelled from Dublin, said she was "really surprised" by the number of people at the parade.

"I am really happy to be here."

A man with curly brown hair looks at the camera. He is wearing a navy jacket. Behind him is a large field with a crowd of people.
Chano said he loved "seeing everyone come together"

Chano, who travelled from Moira for the parade, said he was looking forward to "seeing everyone come together".

"I think it's a brilliant idea, and it's community at the end of the day."

Chano said he feels such events are especially important given the state of the world at the moment.

"There is evil in the world, so there must be an equal and opposite force."

A woman with short curly black hair and glasses smiles at the camera. She is wearing a white blouse and a necklace. Behind her are parked cars, and a red-brick building.
Martha Blackstock said she was "excited for the parade to show that Jesus lives"

Martha Blackstock, from east Belfast, praised God for giving Christians "the opportunity" to come together in such a way.

A woman with long brown hair smiles at the camera. She is wearing a black top and a necklace. Behind her are a number of trees.
Michelle Barden enjoys being with "like-minded people"

For Michelle Barden, from Newry, the event allowed her to be with more "like-minded people".

"I think people have realised that religion, especially in this country, is restrictive and destructive. We don't have religion, we just have relationship."

A woman with shoulder-length blonde hair smiles and looks to the right of the camera. She is wearing a blue top and a backpack. Behind her is a large area of grass and, out of focus, a crowd of people.
Fiona Bennett is keen to see more similar events

Fiona Bennett, from Larne, said she "would absolutely love" to see more events like the March for Jesus.

A group of people waving flags leave the side of Ormeau Park, on the Ormeau Embankment.
People made their way down the Ormeau Embankment towards the Ravenhill Road

A number of diversions were in place in parts of Belfast throughout the day but the roads have since reopened.

A group of people waving flags leave the side of Ormeau Park, on the Ormeau Embankment.
The Parades Commission application, from the All Nations Church, said organisers were anticipating a crowd of about 5,000

The March for Jesus events are held across the world.