Audacious 09 came to a thrilling end this weekend with a massive public event in the centre of Manchester and two live gigs at Manchester Central.

Hundreds of local residents and passers-by participated in sports, music and circus skills workshops throughout the day held in Spinningfields and Cathedral Gardens, to mark the end of the week-long youth festival.

The day also brought two firsts for Manchester: the first bungee jump ever in the city centre and a new world record – for the biggest ever recorded game of musical statues.

The daytime festival was totally free for the public, including live performances from local bands and artists, sports cages with professional coaches, inflatable games and the 143ft bungee jump. With the sun shining down, a total of 66 people dared the leap, eliciting screams and gasps from thrill-seekers and spectators alike.

In the evening, an estimated 1,600 people filled Manchester Central to hear Message bands LZ7 and Blush together with the Audacious Band and other performers. Evangelist Reggie Dabbs spoke to close the festival with a memorable address featuring a rendition of Michael Jackson’s Human Nature on saxophone.

See more pictures from the night and the Audacious 09 week here.

Tags: Blush, Community Action, LZ7, MainHeadline, Manchester, Reggie Dabbs, young people