The Archbishop of York is to make a pilgrimage on foot from Manchester Cathedral.

Archbishop Stephen Cottrell is visiting Manchester and Salford on Thursday 5 May to mark the 600th anniversary of Manchester Cathedral and to make a pilgrimage on foot through Salford to MediaCity. He will stop off at various points along the way to see something of the variety of life in Salford, to find out about the challenges and innovations in this diverse area and to pray for the people he meets.

In his first visit to Manchester and Salford since becoming Archbishop of York in 2020, Archbishop Stephen is keen to meet people from different walks of life and to hear about some of the interesting projects and ministries taking place here.

Having undertaken several walking pilgrimages, including twice walking the Camino to Santiago de Compostela in Spain, he will experience the different sides to Salford: seeing first hand some of the social challenges and the enterprise that has transformed the city in recent years with the arrival of MediaCity UK. At the end of his visit Archbishop Stephen will visit the offices of the BBC and mingle with media at an evening reception.

Speaking of his visit Stephen Cottrell, Archbishop of York, said:

“I haven’t been able to get out and about much since I became Archbishop of York nearly two years ago so I’m really looking forward to being in Manchester, celebrating the 600th anniversary of the cathedral and then taking a walk through Salford. Meeting local people who are bringing change and transformation to lives and communities is always encouraging and I’ll be taking time with Bishop David to pray for this work and those it helps as we walk.”

The Bishop of Manchester, Dr David Walker, said:

“I’m delighted to be accompanying Archbishop Stephen on his pilgrimage through Salford. I look forward to deepening my own understanding of how this vibrant city is making the most of its present opportunities whilst not neglecting its challenges. It will be a privilege for us to hold the people of the city and their work before God in prayer.”

The Archbishop’s itinerary on Thursday 5 May includes visiting the Volition project; St Philip’s Church - the first Resource Church in the Diocese of Manchester; Salford Lads Club, and the Salford Foundation, an organisation working on issues that affect women, including crime and domestic abuse, and with young people connected to serious violence.