A major Christian gathering planned for Belfast city centre has been cancelled just days before it was set to take place.
The March for Jesus, scheduled for Saturday, 7th June, was expected to attract more than 10,000 participants. March for Jesus is a global movement; in October 2024, March for Jesus Dublin saw Christians walk from the city’s Garden of Remembrance to Dáil Éireann, the Irish parliament.
The Belfast march route for June 2025 was to lead from Custom House Square to Belfast City Hall, with outdoor worship and Bible scriptures displayed on placards.
Organisers announced on Instagram that the event had to be cancelled due to safety concerns around the large number of participants.
Pastor John Ahern, who leads All Nations Church, said: “Unfortunately due to significant logistical challenges and health and safety concerns due to large crowds expected, we have to cancel the March for Jesus that was scheduled to take place this Saturday the 7th June in Belfast City Centre.”
News of the cancellation has been met with disappointment, with some insisting they will gather regardless of an official event. “Makes you want to do it all the more now,” replied one commenter.
Pastor John and Joanna Ahern urged those who were disappointed not to let it dampen their enthusiasm. “Please join us in continuing to pray for unity, peace, and revival in Northern Ireland,” the couple wrote.
At present, the march has not been rescheduled.