The reason for the season

Nativity play by members of the Bridge Church Neath Dec 14th
A special Christmas presentation by our photographer - Mike Davies

The outdoor festive event, organised by The Bridge Church, with help from businesses across the town.  Starting off at Water Street, the parade — which included a narrator, wise men, angels and shepherds — the nativity team and supporters stopped at the square for a sing-along of carols with the Salvation Army Band.

Elizabeth and Reuben Dorman, brother and sister, playing Mary and Joseph in the Neath open-air nativity

Mark Barrett, youth worker at The Bridge Church, said he was thrilled with how the event turned out.  “I feel it went very well, it was well supported,” he said.  “We’ve had great support from the shops and pubs in Neath, with Country Kitchen, Kiwis and the Bluebell taking part as the inns , and Bellaroma giving us a power point.

“Boots also gave us parking and the British Heart Foundation helped too.

Mary and Joseph ride through Neath

The manger

“Zoar’s has been magnificent in supporting us throughout, the highlight for me was seeing the stable they had built.”

He said the event was something he would like to be held in the town on an annual basis, and he would like to get other churches in the town involved in the future.

He added: "Plans are already afoot to make it bigger next year. I wanted to bring the message of peace into Neath at this time of year, especially when people are finding it a difficult time, and I think we have."

The Bridge Church will also hold a Nativity service tomorrow evening (Sunday, December 15), from 5.30pm.
Full coverage of the Nativity can be viewed here: