Trinity’s popular crib service returns for one year only

However, because of safety concerns that caused the event to be cancelled last year, the service – which will this year be based on the children’s book Jesus’ Christmas Party – will be ticketed, with a strict 630-person capacity.

Discussions were held between the parish and the Bailiff’s office about the possibility of using the Royal Square to allow more Islanders to attend the event.

Trinity Crib Service 2013Trinity Crib Service 2013: Charles Le Sueur and Joseph Delaney

However, the town site was deemed unsafe, forcing the event to move back to the showground, which provided the location for the service between 2007 and 2013.

The Rector of Trinity, Canon Geoff Houghton, said that it was a shame that more people would not be able to attend the service, but that it was important that safety measures were put in place.

‘The event was greatly missed last year and we looked at different possibilities this year, including the Royal Square, but that was not a possibility in the end,’ he said.

‘It should be a really fun event and we are really looking forward to it, but it does feel very different and the ticketing does take the spontaneity out of it – something which is part of the Christian Gospel.’

Mr Houghton explained that as it was likely to be the event’s final year, the parish wanted to do something different from the traditional service.

Trinity Crib Service 2013: Shepherd Alan Rabet

‘Jesus’ Christmas Party is really popular in schools and tells the Nativity story from the perspective of the innkeeper,’ he said. ‘We will still have live animals, a real baby and a few characters from Trinity public life all taking part.

‘It might well be the last one – I think sometimes one has to stop one thing for opportunities to develop. It’s a chance for somebody else to take up the baton and I know that there is so much that goes on in the wider Church community.’

Tickets, which are free, are available from Trinity School, Trinity Parish Hall and Le Shop on Rue ès Picots, but are going quickly.

Trinity Crib Service

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