The Live Crib: Mayfield, 9-11 December 2014
The Live Crib – a nativity which is quite unique in England – has now been organised and performed by the girls of St Leonards-Mayfield School every Christmas for almost fifty years. We invite all prospective Mayfield families to join us for this special service on the evenings of Tuesday 9, Wednesday 10 and Thursday 11 December. Leave behind the stress and strain of Christmas and join the School in celebrating the true meaning of Christmas in a traditional and most memorable way.
The evening begins with Mary and Joseph’s journey down the village High Street, guiding a donkey and accompanied by a procession of candle-lit angels singing carols. Turned-away at the Middle House Inn, the procession winds its way to the School’s 14th-century Chapel. With the infant Jesus – a real baby – cradled in their arms, Mary and Joseph sit at the foot of the altar, while the angels perch on the Chapel’s gothic window sills. The nativity then unfolds, with the Archangel Gabriel singing from the gallery and Balthasar, Caspar and Melchior – better known as the three wise men – visiting Jesus with gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. The congregation joins the choir in singing a series of well-known carols.
To view a gallery of photos from last year’s Live Crib, click here.
The High Street procession begins at 18.30 and the carol service at approximately 18:45. Visitors travel from miles around to experience Live Crib, so if you wish to secure a pew near the front of the Chapel, we recommend you forego the procession and are seated no later than 18.30. Those who arrive later are more likely to sit towards the rear of chapel, and on some nights may be required to stand.