Knaresborough nativity back for 22nd year

What started as a one-off for the millennium has turned into a yearly tradition

Author: Natalie HigginsPublished 24th Dec 2021

Knaresborough's annual nativity is back tonight after having to do it virtually last year.

What started as a one-off for the millennium has turned into an annual event with hundreds of people gathering on Knaresborough's Market Place to see the live performance.

This year the performance, organised by Christians Together, is going back to normal after organisers had to produce an online production in 2020.

Peter Lacey, producer,**** said:

"Last year we couldn't run it because of lockdown but we anticipated the possibility of that and had filmed the production but that meant that people were taking their costumes home and taking them back so I'm hoping they all turn up.

"There is always quite a lot of badgering on Facebook asking us if it is going ahead but we had quite a lot this year considering we had to do it virtually last year and the uncertainties around covid this year so it's been good to be able to say 'yes it is' and that it'll be a good event.

"I think people are really keen to do things that bring the community together once they know it is safe. So I know a lot of people are cancelling different events - indoor events, parties - maybe this is something that people feel they can come to safely. I think that would be really nice."

Knaresborough Town Crier in the virtual nativity of 2020

The actors will be out on the Market Place at 6pm this evening (24 December) to spread some festive cheer and to tell the story of Jesus.

A stage is imported for the half-hour production which has taken place every year since 2000.

This year a new Joseph, King and Shephard are taking part.

WATCH last year's virtual nativity:

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