They've got three real camels, now they just need the wise men!
Visitors to the Victorian Festival in Brighouse this weekend could be forgiven for thinking Christmas has come early, thanks to Central Methodist Church.
Church officials plan to recreate the Nativity, one of the most iconic Christmas scenes, and make it live action.
That means bringing in three real camels and wise men, who will be performing from 11am onwards tomorrow.
Click below to watch a video from last year's festival
In a first for the church, and Calderdale, Central’s Camels at Christmas will be bringing a touch of the exotic to the streets, portraying the arrival of the three wise men, bearing the famous gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh.
In another innovation, a life-size interactive nativity will be on show, outside of the church. Organisers are looking for angels, shepherds and extra wise men and women to take part.
The church minister, Mark Cheetham, said: “I am really excited at the prospect of bringing the Christmas story to life for thousands of local people.
“We’re a big church, with some big ideas, and this is certainly one of the most ambitious events that I have been involved in.
“I can’t wait to see the faces of people, when they see three very big, live camels; helping us to bring the story of Jesus to life and help put the Christ back in Christmas.”
Organisers are promising plenty of Christmas food and a few surprises at the event.
The church will also be open for people to pop in and have a look around.
Camels at Christmas is a prelude to a busy Christmas period, which includes a candlelit carol service on Sunday, December 21, 6pm and a special family Christingle on Christmas Eve at 6pm.
