Nativity scenes from around the world to go on show in Alnwick

A Mexican tin crib display which is made by street children from flattened cola cans.

Nativity scenes are being displayed in town centre shops, while some 60 sets will be on display at a Cribs@Christmas event on Saturday, December 7.

Joan Grimrod-Helmn, chair of Christians Together in Alnwick, said: “As local churches in Alnwick and Shilbottle we were really keen to remind the local community about the ‘Christ’ in Christmas this December.

“Thanks to Gill Lyons’ wonderful collection of nativity scenes from across the world and other nativity scenes that belong to local church members we will be able to distribute these to local shop owners and companies who would like to display them. Some local companies are also displaying their own.”

Gill, a nativity crib enthusiast added: “For a number of years I have very much enjoyed collecting nativity scenes from around the world.

“I began collecting them in the 1980’s, after seeing a nativity display at the Methodist church in Poynton, Cheshire.

“My current collection holds around 100 nativity scenes which come from countries such as Russia, Nigeria, China, Nepal plus many other countries, including of course, Palestine.

“My main fascination is in the characteristics of each figure – every nation seeing the Holy Family as looking as though they come from their home country – which is of exactly as it should be.

“Many of the crib scenes are made of woods, fabric, ceramic special to that country, and a number have particularly interesting stories being made by disadvantaged, dispossessed and disabled people.

“Each year I offer my nativity scenes to churches to display, and I am delighted that this year Christians Together in Alnwick, with which I am actively involved, is celebrating Cribs@Christmas.”

The event takes place at St Paul’s RC Church from 10am to 4pm. Local musicians will be performing and there will be children’s activities on offer. There will be homemade cakes and a visit from the Mighty Oaks coffee van. Everyone is welcome.

It is a free event but donations are welcome to support the work of the charity Embrace Middle East.