Service gets too big for its crib

Thursday 20 November 2014

It might have been born in a barn, but the popular Trinity Crib Service has now grown so big it's been cancelled this year because of safety concerns.

The Christmas service is popular for its live animals and well-known local faces, but it is taking a sabbatical after getting too large for its current venue at the RJA&HS.

Over 1,500 Islanders packed the hall to see the nativity last year and the rector of Trinity said that led to them taking some safety advice from the Fire Service.

Reverend Canon Geoff Houghton said it’s with a heavy heart that the production team have taken the decision not to put on the nativity, but safety comes first and they are now considering ticketing the event if it returns next year.

The show was born in a barn nine years ago but quickly outgrew its home in the parish and moved to a marquee at the RJA&HS showground before spreading out into the main exhibition hall.

Reverend Houghton said there will now be a backstage meeting early next year to have a re-think about how the show can go on safely catering for such large numbers. He said he knows cancelling this year’s show has disappointed many in his congregation but there will still be plenty going on in the Island's churches.

He said: “Generally there is a feeling of sadness because we’ve been aware over the years we’ve been privileged – it’s become an island event, it’s part of the work of our church.  We’re going to take a break, we’ve got great volunteers but I think they are ready for a sabbatical year so we can look at how we re-invent it, how do we tell it fresh.”

“Christmas is not cancelled, Christmas happens across the Churches. We’ll still be doing the Christmas Story in Church in different ways.

“The Crib has had a great run, we hope to have it back in 2015, god willing.”