Ha'way in a Manger is back for 2017. Taking place in Park Lane Shopping Village in Sunderland on 9th December, this cracker of a Christmas celebration is becoming a regular festive feature in the city.
Run entirely by volunteers from Connect Network - a Wearside network brining Christians, Churches and communities together to help transform Sunderland – this family-friendly event aims to bring hope and joy to the people of Sunderland.
The free event includes crafts a-plenty, with cracker and bauble making activities, as well as music and dance from local people.
Spreading the Christmas spirit through song will be Sunderland school children, local choirs and church musicians, culminating in a community Christmas carol singing celebration. There will be a performance from the Salvation Army brass band plus three local gospel choirs.
Participating schools include Grindon Hall Christian School performing Bethlehem the Musical, singing from New Penshaw Academy, and Northern Saints School doing African drumming.
Prayer stations will provide people of all ages the opportunity to be creative and thoughtful, decorating baubles and hanging them as prayers or making a cracker of a start to Christmas whilst the pick n mix prayer stall gives you a candy bag containing reminders of true sweet delight of Christmas.
Deb Fozzard, Director of Connect Network says:
‘We’re delighted that Ha’way in a Manger is now in its third year. Christmas is an important date for Christians and Connect Network is so pleased to have the opportunity to share hope and joy with everyone in the local community. Everyone is invited and you don’t have to be Christian to enjoy the festive fun on offer. We look forward to welcoming people of all faiths, or none, to join us in a joyful celebration of the spirit of the season, and the wonderful city of Sunderland.’
Ha’way in a Manger will be running from 2pm to 5pm on 9th December at Park Lane Shopping Village, Sunderland, SR1 3NO. Entrance is free and there is no charge for activities.
For more information about Connect Network and the work it does to support people living in Sunderland, visit the website: www.connectnetwork.uk