Oh holy sight! Snowboarding vicar Reverend Steven Young has blessed the piste of UK’s longest indoor real snow slope, Manchester’s Chill Factore, to mark the official end of the European ski season.
A snow sports enthusiast himself, Reverend Young made a grand entrance, snowboarding down the slopes blessing the snow as he went with holy water from a special silver bucket. He even performed some snowboarding tricks on the rails and kickers, showcasing his impressive snowboarding skills.
He also praised the end of another fantastic European winter season as skiers and snowboarders passed by him on the slope, before wishing everyone who uses the slope over the summer months has a safe and enjoyable time.
After the ceremony, Reverend Steven said: “It was great to perform the blessing as I snowboarded down the slope and to see so many people get involved in the ceremony afterwards.
“I’m passionate about promoting an inclusive, diverse and vibrant society – a setting where all are welcome – and Chill Factore offers a place to do just this.
“This ceremony is a great way for the community to connect, and as a snow sports enthusiast myself, I’m honoured to be able to bless the snow following a great European season.”
During the Reverend Young’s descent, Greater Manchester’s Rock Choir performed Beyonce’s ‘Halo” as the vicar made his way down the slope and gave thanks for the fun the snow centre provides to young and old all year round.
The vicar has already visited Chill Factore this year, having fulfilled a charity challenge to complete a run down the slopes of each of the UK’s six indoor snow centres in a single day, raising £1,403 for North London Hospice.
Morwenna Angove, CEO at Chill Factore said: “Snow blessings are traditional in some countries and resorts, so we thought we’d bring it here to Manchester’s home of snow!
“We hope the ceremony was loved by all involved, and even though the European season may have finished, we’re glad we can welcome guests all year round to enjoy the snow.”
Find out more about Chill Factore at www.chillfactore.com
