British Pageant 2013
In the summer of 2013 the United Kingdom is to play host to the first official pageant of The Church of Jesus Christ of ...Latter-day Saints to take place outside of North America. In the USA pageants are a big part of Latter-day Saint culture in the summer months, with annual events in Manti, Palmyra and Nauvoo. These events commemorate important events from Church history and the scriptures and have audiences of thousands each year.
The British Pageant is to follow the same format but with a focus on the history of the Church in the British Isles, written and performed by members from around the United Kingdom. Throughout their history, the British people have demonstrated their desire to do God’s will, requiring personal sacrifice and tremendous courage. This pageant will tell the story of Latter-day Saints who have sacrificed much to build their faith, and to strengthen their communities. Through their abiding faith and deep love for one another and the Saviour, the Saints discovered their lives were full of the joy of the gospel. They taught their children and these youth carried on a legacy of devotion to the principles of the restored Gospel which is manifest throughout the world-wide church. Today, families and youth in the British Isles know this joy and continue to take it to all the world. The pageant will explore events surrounding the beginning of the Church and the impact of these events through the years in the British Isles.
The performance dates will be July 31, August 1-3 and 6-10. In addition to the performance involving a cast of over two hundred, each day will have pre-show performers and other activities for the audience. The pageant will be staged in the grounds of the Preston Temple.
Preparations are underway, and will involve hundreds of members; the British Pageant organising committee has been called and has begun work on all elements of the event.
