HUNDREDS of people are set to gather in the city centre once again for the retelling of Jesus's crucifixion.

Worcester Passion Play will return for 2024 on Good Friday - Friday, March 29.

The spectacle usually brings in huge audiences who watch the bible story outdoors in Cathedral Square, Worcester.

Last year, the Bishop of Worcester, John Inge, was one of those crucified on three crosses set out on a large stage with the role of Jesus played by Ollie Ward.

The play vivified the story of the Gospels from Jesus' miracles - the healing of the lame and the sick - to his clashes with the Pharisees who scorned him as a false prophet to the reward offered for his arrest, his betrayal by Judas and the Roman Governor Pontius Pilate washing his hands of Christ's death.  

The passion play, which has its roots in medieval times, dramatised many of the key passages from The Bible, including Jesus' agonies on the cross as he cries out: "Forgive them, for they know not what they do."

The play finishes with the risen Christ speaking to the disciples, urging them to repent and love their neighbours as themselves and reminding them that his spirit was in every one of them.

The open air play play draws in people from the city's churches and further afield to watch the play which will begin at 10.30am this year.

It features 60 cast members and is free for anyone to attend.

However, organisers have set up a Go Fund Me page in the hopes of raising £10,000 as the performance is not funded and relies on public donations.

An update on the page reads: "Rehearsals are underway for the Worcester Passion Play 2024.

"The team are really excited about this year's production - which will take place again in Cathedral Square on Good Friday (29th March) starting at 10.30am.

"Just like last year, we shall have a huge LED screen and multiple cameras covering the performance so everyone can see what's happening on stage.

"We rely on donations from individuals, churches and other organisations in order to cover our costs. That means it is free for all those attending on the day. Thank you for helping us bring the hope of Easter to the Faithful City this year."