The Right Reverend Séamus Cunningham, Bishop of Hexham and Newcastle, and the priests of the Cathedral, celebrated the Easter Vigil on Holy Saturday.

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Only after this solemn vigil during the night, held in anticipation of the resurrection, does the Easter celebration begin, with a spirit of joy that overflows into the following period of fifty days.

During this sacred liturgy there is a service of light, with the lighting of the Easter fire and the Easter candle which is a symbol of Christ. Bible readings are heard which tell of the long preparation for Christ's coming, and these end with the story of the Resurrection.

The liturgy of the Eucharist followed.

The whole Easter season is a time of feasting and celebration, which balances the time of fasting during Lent.