Hundreds of volunteers put on a grand show at the opening night of a religious pageant in the biggest marquee in Europe.
The 2023 British Pageant saw 130 performers put on the huge theatre production at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, in Chorley.
The event, one of the biggest of the year for the church, was held inside a 1,200-seat marquee in front of a sell-out crowd.
Wednesday night’s opening performance was watched by Speaker of the House Sir Lindsay Hoyle, fellow local MPs Chris Green and Andrew Stephenson, as well as hundreds of guests.
The musical is said to be based on the British contributions to Christianity during the mid-19th century.
President of the British Pageant, Craig Wright said: “The opening night was a resounding success.
"I am so proud of everybody that gave their time and worked so hard for such a fantastic reward.
“We are so lucky that gifted and talented people from all over the world have come together to put on the best British Pageant so far.
“We have brand new sets, a much larger stage and the marquee is really a magnificent sight."
The free musical event was first held at Preston England Temple in 2013, and has rapidly become one of the biggest events in the worldwide church's calendar.
President of the British Pageant, Craig Wright with Speaker of the House and Chorley MP Sir Lindsay Hoyle and Pendle MP Andrew Stephenson
Darren Evans, from Bristol, plays one of the lead roles.
He said: "This is the third time I've been involved in the pageant, but my first time playing Joseph Fielding.
"It's such a wonderful, and huge, event, and I think the message is something that can be enjoyed by anyone, from all walks of life."
Isaac Turner, 22, is one of the many local performers from Chorley and was joined by seven other members of his family involved in the production, including his younger brother, who plays his character's younger brother.
Drama student Isaac said: "This has been such a fun experience.
"It's been great to spend so much time with my family and friends, and I'm really enjoying performing.
"During the last time the pageant was held, I was on the work crew, so it's great fun to actually have a main role this time."
The British Pageant will be performed at the Preston Temple grounds in Chorley until Saturday 12 August, including weekend matinee performances.
President Wright added: “We would like to invite everybody, including people from outside of our faith, to come to the British Pageant and witness this really powerful story about the people of Lancashire, and their influence and legacy that is still being felt today.”
For more information and to reserve the free tickets you can visit https://britishpageant.co.uk/
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