Bermudians and visitors alike are invited to attend “The Walk to Calvary” in the streets of St George on Good Friday.

June-Ann Furbert, director and key organiser of the event, and Reverend Joyce Hayward said they were planning for year-by-year growth for this 40-year-old immersive experience.

“This is the first time the Bermuda Tourism Authority has come along with us to bring forth faith-driven events in Bermuda, to attract people here.” Ms Furbert said.

“The Walk to Calvary is done worldwide, but it is a phenomenal experience to have been doing that here in Bermuda, and now we can invite others to come. And some people are coming and being part of it.”

For the last 28 years, Ms Furbert has led the production as director and overseer of all committees involved, including directing, teaching the cast, creating costumes, and much more.

Referring to the impact on the audience as they witness the re-enactment, Ms Furbert said: “It draws us closer, it draws them closer. When you read the Bible, we read it and we’re interpreting it, we’re understanding, but when you see it visually, you experience it differently.

“Or when we’re with the cast, and we’re teaching, so we’re getting more in tune, we’re drawing closer, and now we can take it to the streets, take it to Bermuda, and spread the gospel in a different way.”

Ms Hayward added: “We want to bring the Word to life. It’s about salvation, it’s about drawing closer, it’s about getting a different understanding, about putting themselves in that moment.

“Hopefully, seeing it done live would make people feel the story and engage with it. And for us, we hope that other people want to join us, because we are looking to do more than this now; maybe other Bible re-enactments. We want people to be changed from going into the pages of the Bible.”

This year, the East End Ministerial Alliance is working in association with the BTA to “make this immersive experience accessible to all” and increase its scale.

Ms Hayward said: “Last year, for the first time, it was live-streamed worldwide. It will be live-streamed again this year.”

People all over the world will be able to watch and share the experience. In-person attendees the are encouraged to wear comfortable shoes and bring water, and all scenes are wheelchair accessible.

The walk to each scene will be at a comfortable pace, with the Salvation Army band playing along the way. Memorabilia will be available – a new feature this year.

This two-hour event can also extend into a full-day, family outing in St George. Ms Hayward said: “We’re going to start at 10am with pre-entertainment and worship. A visual artist, dance, singing and music will start at 10:45am.

“There will be a baptism at Tobacco Bay and then kite-flying and more at St George’s Cricket Club. And a few restaurants will be open so that it can be a day in St George’s.”

Community members and visitors are invited to “A Passover Supper Experience” at 6pm on Thursday, March 28, at the Crawl Gospel Hall on North Shore Road. Participants would learn much about the meaning of the food and drink, Ms Furbert said.

• Information on the Easter weekend celebration events can be found by searching on Facebook for walktocalvarybm and at www.walktocalvary.bm. Or e-mail info@walktocalvary.bm for more information