March for Jesus rally to go ahead in Belfast with thousands expected

A large-scale Christian rally titled “March for Jesus” is set to take place in Ormeau Park later this month, following approval from Belfast City Council.

Councillors at a recent meeting of the People and Communities Committee agreed to a request from All Nation Church to host the event on Saturday, 23 August, with organisers anticipating a turnout of between 5,000 and 10,000 participants.

According to council documents, All Nation Church, listed at the National Boxing Stadium, South Circular Road, Dublin 8, had initially planned the rally for Saturday, 7 June. That plan involved a march from Custom House Square to Belfast City Hall, but the event was cancelled days beforehand due to health and safety concerns related to expected crowd numbers.

The updated plan involves a peaceful march beginning at Ormeau Park at 2pm, progressing along Ormeau Embankment and Ravenhill Road, before concluding at City Hall. Coaches transporting attendees will park along Ormeau Embankment.

A council report states:

“All Nation Church are requesting the use of Ormeau Park as the assembly point for the event and will rally peacefully through to City Hall where the event will conclude.

“‘March for Jesus’ is a non-political, family-friendly celebration of the Christian faith. It seeks to bring together churches from across the island of Ireland to publicly worship, pray for peace, and proclaim hope. All Nation Church piloted a similar event in Dublin which attracted 20,000 attendees.”

The event’s final attendance figures will depend on outreach and engagement efforts with churches throughout Ireland.

To assist with logistics, All Nation Church has enlisted Worshipful Brother Paul R. McMichael, County Grand Secretary of the Orange Order. The PSNI has been informed, and an 11/1 parade notification has been submitted.

“The event organiser will meet with the PSNI to ascertain the need for the closure of Ormeau Embankment and to facilitate the parking of coaches for attendees,” the report continues.

“Organisers will liaise with the neighbouring Asian Supermarket and Ozone Complex, to ensure full access is maintained if the embankment is closed.”

During the committee meeting, Green Party Councillor Anthony Flynn raised concerns about the late timing of the request and the potential impact on the park and local residents.

“Because [the request] is coming in late, I think it is prudent we ask questions and make sure things will go well with this,” he said.

“I was not too aware of this event, but I am happy to see they have liaised with the Orange Order in relation to the logistics, who know how to put on a parade, let’s be honest.

“I am concerned about the impact on park users… I’m sure there will be marshals, but it is incumbent upon us to ensure residents aren’t unduly impacted, and park users aren’t unduly impacted by something they haven’t had time to see coming.”

Responding to queries, a council officer said:

“They will begin setting up at 11am, with the gathering starting from 12 noon on the grass and hardstanding area beside the Ozone Complex.

“We have ensured through the event management plan that this gives the least disruption to park users. We will also apply park wardens on the day to ensure that any conditions applied to the event are followed.”