More than 6,000 people are expected at the Manchester Velodrome tonight for a big religious spectacle.

The Game of Life, a special national event at 8pm tonight, will feature the inspirational international speaker J.John and special guests.

September has seen 100 bus adverts promoting The Game of Life across the region as the church partnership behind the event has attempted to reach as many people as possible with an event that will respond to the challenges people are facing today from the economy down to crime in their local area.

Debra Green, Director of City Links co-organisers of the event, says: “The Velodrome is the home of the recent Olympic heroes in the Great Britain Cycling Team.

"None of us may be Olympic gold medallists but we are all racing to keep up with life today and so we are excited to have a speaker of such experience coming to inspire and encourage people in this race.

"His much-loved storytelling promises an evening of fun and laughter, with the chance to discover spiritual meaning in a way that makes sense of everyday life from the credit crunch to family problems.”

A Greek-Cypriot by birth and a Canon in the Church of England, speaker and writer J. John has been called "one of the greatest communicators of this generation" with an appeal that transcends gender, age, race, culture and occupation.

His style, described as refreshing, passionate, accessible and dynamic, is to mix humour and common sense to help his listeners to understand Christianity.

He addresses over 300,000 people in person each year and has spoken in 54 countries on six continents. J John says: “Many people's understanding of Christianity is a misunderstanding. It is my commitment to show how faith in Jesus is not only reasonable, but relevant and vitally important.”

Chick Yuill the chair of Hope ’08 Greater Manchester, co-organisers of the event, says: “The year long Hope 08 initiative is a huge opportunity for Christians to unite in bringing hope and help in Greater Manchester and across the nation like never before.

"J John will be a vital part of this year to inspire people to build a ‘movement of Hope’, and to see lives transformed and lasting change in our city and nation.”

Chris Edmondson, Bishop of Bolton, who has been part of organising the event adds: “I have known J John for a number of years, and consider him to be someone with an extraordinary gift for sharing the Christian message, in a thoughtful, cringe-free, entertaining and relevant way. We look forward to seeing the Manchester Velodrome filled to capacity.”

During the yearlong Hope 08 celebrations, a national church partnership, this will be the biggest event in the North West. Admission is free.