Officials say Newtown will have its most spectacular Christmas lights switch on ever on 1 December.
Broad Street will become an interactive performance and entertainment as part of the annual town centre Christmas lights switch on, according to Newtown Town Council.
"This year there is going to be a whole different party down Broad Street, on Saturday 1st December. New community theatre company, Rebel Alliance, have taken over the festivities with a whole hour-long Christmas spectacular, leading up to what promises to be the most amazing illuminations Newtown has seen for many years," said a town council spokesperson.
"Many of those who have traditionally gone along to see the Mayor and Father Christmas turn on the lights will be familiar with the Christmas Story – donkey, shepherds, Kings, baby Jesus etc.
"However, Rebel Alliance has brought together a community cast of nearly 60 local performers to stage the most famous story of all time. The whole length of Broad Street will be transformed into one long performance area, with a large stage at one end, and a huge stable at the other."
It’s standing room only this year and so, with music and charity stalls on the go from 5.30pm, those eager to see the miracle in Bethlehem live in the centre of Newtown will need to find their places early, with the show starting at 6.00pm.
Local choirs have been brought in to portray the Heavenly Host and lead the audience in a series of popular carols.
"Mary will travel to Bethlehem on a donkey; the shepherds will be tending a real flock. This enterprising group have even made their own trailer for the show, which can be viewed on their Facebook page, where the eagle-eyed amongst you may catch a glimpse of the Wise Men’s latest form of furry four-legged transportation," added the town council spokesperson.
"School children from around the area have come on board to show their support for what promises to be a truly memorable event, with a special chorus of angels, collection of innkeepers, crowd of shepherds and cohort of kings, all taking to the stage throughout the evening. Local artists have been hard at work for months creating a hovering, glowing Angel Gabriel, which will appear overhead."
Performers will start on the stage at one end of Broad Street, before parading down to the stable at the other. In this way, no matter where you stand, you’re sure of a great view of the show, featuring an original script, giving a faithful account of that one night which changed the course of human history.
"Who knows, if this Nativity is as successful as everyone involved seems determined to make it, perhaps there’ll be a new tradition in Newtown at Christmas," added the spokesperson.
Photo: (L-R) Karen Gomm, Ollie Orme, Andrew Bond, Alex Oakey, Andrew Deacon, Jenni Freeman, David Morgan, Paul Martin
