The much-loved Manchester and Salford Ecumenical Whit Walks will once again fill the streets of Manchester on bank holiday Monday, 25 May 2026, as churches from across the region come together for a joyful public procession and act of worship. This long-standing tradition will see hundreds of people of all ages take part, as congregations walk together through the city centre with colourful banners, music, and shared celebration, culminating in an open-air service in St Peter’s Square.
This year, organisers are delighted to welcome Revd Canon Kate Bottley as guest preacher at the act of worship. Widely known as an Anglican priest, writer, broadcaster, and journalist, Kate is a familiar face on television and radio and brings a warm, engaging voice to conversations about faith and community.
Her presence is drawing significant interest, with members of the public expected to line the streets and join in this vibrant and inclusive event.
The 2026 Whit Walks also mark a notable moment in the life of the event, with the highest number of participating groups in recent memory, reflecting renewed enthusiasm for this shared expression of faith and fellowship across Greater Manchester.
The event features a public procession through the city centre followed by an act of worship in St Peter’s Square, during which the Revd Canon Kate Bottley will preach.
Manchester Whit Walks procession schedule:
- 9.30am – Assemble in Cathedral Gardens (behind Manchester Cathedral)
- 10.00am – Procession to St Peter’s Square via Deansgate
- 10.45am – Act of Worship at St Peter’s Square
- 11.30am – Return procession to Manchester Cathedral
What are the Whit Walks for?
Honouring a tradition that began over 200 years ago, the Whit Walk processions, first held in 1801, celebrate the birthday of the Church and bring together Christians from across the region in a joyful expression of faith and community. Each year, crowds line the streets of Manchester City Centre to support the churches as they take part in this much-loved event.
Led by brass bands, the procession makes its way from Manchester Cathedral along Deansgate to St Peter’s Square. The Whit Walks happen on Whit Monday, also known as Pentecost Monday, the holiday celebrated the day after Pentecost, a moveable feast in the Christian liturgical calendar (determined by the date of Easter).
The Very Revd Rogers Govender, Dean of Manchester said: “The Whit Walks are a cherished and joyful expression of Christian witness in our city, bringing together people in celebration, unity, and hope.
“It is wonderful to see growing participation once again, and we are delighted to welcome the Revd Canon Kate Bottley to help lead us in worship this year. I encourage everyone to come along, whether to walk or to watch, and to be part of this very special day.”