Church of Scotland to be celebrated in the heart of the Scottish capital

Roll Away The Stone will showcase the Church of Scotland in Edinburgh's Princes Street Gardens, in front of the iconic castle.

The Church's work will be brought to life in a variety of ways, including through worship, entertainment, stalls, music, drama, storytelling, puppets, juggling, drumming and crafts.

Co-organiser Rev Dr George Whyte, Depute Principal Clerk of the Church of Scotland, said up to 4,000 visitors were expected to take part in the free festival on May 22, during the Church's General Assembly week.

Dr Whyte said: "We are there to publicly celebrate the life of the Church of Scotland. It’s for those who know nothing about the Church and those who are deeply involved.

"We are encouraging anyone in the broader church family within a reasonable travelling distance to come to Edinburgh on the day.”

Headlining acts include performances of the Easter Play, the Scotland African Massed Choir and New Scottish Arts Chamber Orchestra.

Children’s entertainment will be provided by Fischy Music, while performances will also be made by Christian rock bands and a massed choir from congregations across the Church of Scotland.

A church will be set up for the day made from recycled plastic bottles and worship will be held at the end of the festival at the Ross Bandstand.

Organisers hope the event will become a major fixture on the Church’s calendar if successful.

Dr Whyte said: “We would like to think that a public event like this could be a part of the General Assembly week in the years ahead.”