A MODERN retelling of the story of Jesus' last days will be staged on Bolton Town Hall's steps.

Passion for Bolton will be in Victoria Square on Easter Saturday, March 26, with a live performance and choir.

Members of the public are invited to the free event, which will begin at noon, to watch the story unfold, be a part of the re-enactment of the drama and re-live the choosing between Jesus and Barabbas.

Geoff Millard, artistic director of Passion for Bolton, said: “We are presenting the story in a different format this time and the entire experience will be lifted by a large live choir.

"The choir will perform throughout the production, with two large screens visually enhancing the performance."

The event is open to people of all ages and faiths, or none and the audience will get to play the crowd who tried Jesus on the day of his death.

Project Manager Caroline Wyke said: "The council, town centre chaplaincy, Bolton Interfaith Council, along with Bolton Christian Community Cohesion and many churches have all worked together to make this event possible."

In support of the event Create Bolton has also been running an art competition in several schools called 'Fresh Hope, New Life' which the Easter story represents.

The competition will be judged by Passion for Bolton patrons and interfaith representatives.

The winner will receive an art workshop for their school and the final 24 winning pieces will be featured in an exhibition in the Market Place Shopping Centre called a 'Passion Arts Trail' in the three weeks before Easter.

A service will also be held on March 19 at 12 noon in Bolton Parish Church.