Christians from all six of the town's churches followed a cross through town to commemorate Good Friday.
A 50-strong procession walked behind the cross bearers from the Queen Mother's Garden, up Quebec Street and through the Market Place.
They paused for readings en route, before an open air service in Nelson Place.
Adrian Aubrey-Jones, team vicar of the town's St Nicholas Church, said: 'It's to demonstarte to local people the importance of Good Friday.'
Worshippers from St Nicholas took part, along with members of the town's Baptist, Methodist, Salvation Army, Congregational and Catholic churches.
Christians will be holding the traditional Easter sunrise service at the town's Neatherd Moor at 7am on Sunday.
The service will include hymns, prayers and Bible readings and will be followed by breakfast at Dereham Baptist Church in the High Street.
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