Hundreds ‘follow the star’ at interactive Nativity performances

MORE than 300 people took part in an interactive Nativity held at Holy Trinity Church in Henley.

The annual Follow the Star event was held at the church in Greys Hill last Friday and Saturday.

The 30-minute interactive experience was introduced in 2020 in the middle of the covid pandemic as an alternative to larger carol services.

Tours started in the churchyard at a “market stall” with faux birds in cages, tea mixes, spices and seeds.

Families were then guided by the angel in the Nativity story, meeting Mary, Joseph, shepherds, wise men and King Herod along the way, with the final scene being baby Jesus in his manger.

A live donkey and three sheep were also part of the cast.

The actors are all part of the church community and, before leaving, guests were invited to share mince pies and mulled apple juice.

Peter Greenman, the associate minister for children, said: “The message this year is that Jesus is the rescuer we all need. Whoever we are, whether we’re clever like the wise men or simple like the shepherds, Jesus came to make the wrong things right and the dark things light in our world.” Volunteer Leslie Somers said: “Follow the Star is a rich experience which gives a real feeling of what Christmas should be.

“I deliberately don’t wear tinsel or any Christmas accessories for this. I want it to be a real experience.”