Up to 7,000 Christians gathered in the spring sunshine at Meyrick Park in Bournemouth for the Easter People conference on April 30, 2000.

With the emphasis on families, revellers young and old turned out to sing, dance and celebrate the Easter message.

The afternoon featured music from a gospel choir and the singer Noel Richards, as well as a variety of readings, messages of support and prayer.

Rob Frost, one of the organisers of the Easter People event, said: "From our perspective the atmosphere was one great party ­– celebration which was very special

"We were celebrating 13 years of coming together for Easter People and we were very happy with how things turned out."