Belfast City Council has approved a new date for the ‘March for Jesus’, after the original June rally was cancelled days beforehand due to health and safety concerns over crowd size.

The event will now take place on Saturday 23 August, starting at Ormeau Park and concluding at Belfast City Hall.

Organised by All Nation Church, the family-friendly event aims to unite churches from across Ireland to “publicly worship, pray for peace, and proclaim hope”.

Between 5,000 and 10,000 participants are expected, with final numbers depending on church outreach.

This time, the route will begin at Ormeau Park at 2pm, moving along the Ormeau Embankment and Ravenhill Road, and finish in the city centre.

Green Party councillor Anthony Flynn said: “Because (the request) is coming in late, I think it is prudent we ask questions… I am concerned about the impact on park users, and I want to make sure that… residents aren’t unduly impacted.”

A council officer confirmed the set-up will begin at 11 am, with the gathering from midday, adding that park wardens will be present “to make sure whatever conditions we have applied on the event are followed".