Live street nativity show returns after hiatus

An outdoor nativity play, complete with a donkey and sheep, is set to return to the streets of the Manx capital.

Christmas Live, which includes also Christmas carols and music along with the live animals, takes place at 18:30 GMT at a new venue of North Quay in Douglas.

Following a break last year, the 2024 event marks the fifth time the nativity has been staged and see a record number of volunteers take part.

The Reverend Alex Brown said the collaboration of seven churches for the performance was "an amazing feat of unity, and part of the message of the Christmas story".

Mr Brown said: "For the community, there are loads of people for whom the Christmas story is in their DNA, it's part of what we've grown up with, and to have a way of celebrating that together is really important."

Among the volunteers taking part will be the Bishop of Sodor and Man, the Right Reverend Patricia Hillas, who will be playing a shepherd.

This year also sees a live donkey involved for the first time among the animals.

Usually resident at the Home of Rest for Old Horse, White Jack will remain on the stage with the cast at the end of the performance to allow the public to take selfies with them.

Mr Smith said, in addition to the largest number of public volunteers, a record number of more than 700 tickets, which were free, had also been booked in advance of the show.

Collections will be taken for St John Ambulance, the Salvation Army and the Scouts and Guides Association.

Mr Brown said that he hoped that the large numbers of people attending would also benefit trade in the town during the late-night Christmas shopping hours.

"If churches and businesses can work together to bring people into the community, that's a bonus for everyone," he added.

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