In lieu of traditional Christmas carol concerts and school nativity plays this year, schools and churches from across the South West have joined together to create a unique online Christmas extravaganza instead.

Rushall CEVA Primary School, in Pewsey, will be participating in the first ever online South West Carols event on December 5 and 6, 7pm each night, which will see thousands of people across the region tuning in to the live online event from the comfort of their own homes. The event could be the biggest ever festive Carols and Nativity event that has ever taken place in the region, with lockdown encouraging churches to think creativity and imaginatively how they can still engage with people of all ages across the South West at this time. With the pandemic preventing traditional school nativity’s taking place, South West Carols will also see 20+ primary schools across the region taking part in the region’s biggest ever nativity play. Billed as a ‘celebration of all the good things that take place at this time of the year’, the event will also include musical performances from London Community Gospel Choir, Exeter Cathedral Choir, alongside award-winning Folk trio Wildwood Kin and worship leader Lucy Grimble. One of the organisers, Pastor Mark Pugh said:“This time of year is filled with nostalgia. There is something so comforting about many of the festive traditions we’ve become accustomed to and carols and school nativities usually play their part in bringing much warmth and joy to many. We know Christmas will be different this year but it isn’t cancelled and we are delighted to be working with many churches and schools to bring joy to thousands of people in homes across the South West.”

The events will be broadcast live on the southwestcarols.com website, as well as on Facebook and YouTube, with live presenters and audience interaction throughout.