A FESTIVE tradition which sees the Nativity story performed on the streets of Welshpool has returned to the town this year.

Welshpool Churches Together held its annual festive tradition, telling the story while touring the town’s churches.

The event, called Christmas Journey, saw attendees and performers travelling around churches and locations in Welshpool on December 17.

The journey began at St Winefride’s Catholic Church, as guests were provided with a map of the route while the children had glowsticks to guide their path.

In this opening chapter, Mary, played by Rachel Pawley, was visited by the angel Gabriel and told she would give birth to the son of God. She then led the procession out as they all sang Ding Dong Merrily on High.

At Y Capel Cymraeg (The Welsh Chapel), attendees saw Joseph, Tim Hawkin, who received the news of Mary’s pregnancy and was reassured by the angel that Mary was right in what she was saying. They then left for the next stop at the Town Hall markets.

When the procession reached the markets, they were treated to a scene in which a Roman Centurion delivered the news that a census had been ordered, and that Mary and Joseph would need to travel to Bethlehem.

Welshpool Baptist Church was the next stop, where Reverend Rob Saunders welcomed attendees to the church for a reflective time, with a sermon on the life and travels of Jesus. Lauren Daigle’s Light of the World was played in the background.

The congregation then travelled to Welshpool Methodist Church where they sang Little Donkey and Oh Little Town of Bethlehem to match the part of the story in which Mary and Joseph had travelled to and arrived at the Inn.

They then made their way to Puzzle Square, which served as the field where the shepherds were looking after their sheep.

Finally, Mary and Joseph arrived at St Marys, which had become the stable in Bethlehem where Jesus was born. Actors playing the shepherds and wise men arrived at the scene.

Reverend Adam Pawley delivered a Christmas message for the procession, who also sang carols with some verses in Welsh.

Mince pies and mulled wine was served afterwards to celebrate.