On Christmas Eve, Caversham residents followed the star down Star Road and towards the old Star Inn. And with them were some Shetland ponies, wise men and some children dressed up as characters from the Nativity.
The occasion was a special Live Nativity event that attracted more than 200 people as dusk fell on Christmas Eve. Organised by Caversham Methodist Church and its nearby neighbour St John’s Church, the event retold the first Christmas using local places as parts of the story.
It started at 4pm from Caversham Methodist Church before heading to St John’s where they met shepherds tending to the flocks of sheep. A walk along Star Road led the pilgrims to the Red Cow pub where they learnt that there was no room at the inn for Mary and Joseph.
Then, they headed to the Co-Op store, which used to be the Star Inn, before heading back to St John’s Church for refreshments including home made cakes.
At each stop, carols were sung including We Three Kings of Orient Are, O Come All Ye Faithful and Hark The Herald Angels Sing.
The event was hosted by the Revd David Jenkins, who gave a short Christmas address at St John’s and led the singing.
He said: “Hundreds of people have come, some have dressed up. It’s been a splendid occasion.
“The two churches have produced this and made it all happen today. People seemed to enjoy it so much.”
The Shetland Ponies accompanying the Festive pilgrims were supplied by Pete from Basil and Crew, while Police Community Support Officers helped the walkers navigate the busy roads.
