WORSHIPPERS took to the streets yesterday despite having to cancel their Easter performance of the Passion play.

A Stations of the Cross ceremony was held on Cowley Road, starting at the Methodist Church, and finishing at SS Mary and John Church.

The ceremony included prayers and readings – marking 14 key moments in Jesus Christ’s final hours – but not the Passon play, a re-enactment of the story of his crucifixion.

The Passion play, which was first held in Cowley Road in 2012, was cancelled because a licensing officer at Oxford City Council did not realise it was a religious event and did not need a licence. Licensing team leader Julian Alison apologised for the mistake. Usually the Passion play is held every two years because it is organised by Rev Adam Romanis, of SS Mary and John Church in Cowley Road, and St Stephen’s House theological college, which is only in residence during Holy Week on alternate years.

But Mr Romanis has said he would look at holding the event next year.