A Community-Driven Nativity Celebration Captures Hearts in Bradwell
In a time when most Christmas Nativity stories follow familiar patterns, the congregation of St Nicholas church in Bradwell has created something truly special for the 2025 holiday season. Their innovative approach—a live floral retelling of the Nativity complete with music, lighting effects, and audience participation—has resonated deeply with the community, resulting in a completely sold-out event scheduled for December 4th. The service will welcome over 100 attendees spanning all ages, from regular churchgoers to those who visit only during the Christmas season, bringing together the entire community in celebration of this timeless story.
Behind this extraordinary event lies months of dedicated preparation and community collaboration. Throughout 2025, a devoted team of volunteers has handcrafted dozens of costumes—many creatively repurposed from unwanted curtains—and hundreds of unique decorations. The past few weeks have seen activity intensify as the church transforms into a spectacular setting for their performance. Each window of St Nicholas will feature a handmade display telling different chapters of the Nativity story, creating a visual journey through the biblical narrative. The commitment to inclusivity extends to every aspect of the production, including arrangements for a British Sign Language interpreter to ensure visitors with hearing difficulties can fully participate in the experience.
At the heart of this remarkable effort is a story of community renewal. Since Reverend Steve Deall and his wife Sara arrived in the parish five years ago, St Nicholas has experienced a remarkable transformation. The congregation has more than doubled in size, with numerous groups and clubs establishing the church once again as a central pillar of Bradwell’s community life. “This year’s Nativity is a true community effort—people of all ages and backgrounds coming together to plan and serve,” explains Reverend Deall. “It has been just wonderful to see members of St Nicholas generously giving up their time, talents and even possessions to support the production.” The event represents the culmination of nearly a year’s planning, with volunteers meeting regularly to coordinate every aspect from casting to hospitality.
The creative vision behind the production largely stems from Julia Knights, a church member whose award-winning floristry skills have earned international recognition. Julia leads a group of volunteers in all artistic aspects, centered around a monthly Creative Circle meeting established by Sara Deall. This dedicated group has worked tirelessly to transform the church space through stunning floral arrangements that tell the Nativity story in a visually captivating way. When reflecting on the countless hours of preparation, Julia emphasizes the collaborative spirit that made it all possible: “I don’t even want to think about how much time has gone into preparing all these things! What I do know is that none of it would have been possible without the group of people we have here. Everyone has played their part. When people have said ‘I can’t sew costumes or decorations’ I have told them it’s no problem, they can definitely stuff them!” This inclusive approach has allowed everyone to contribute according to their abilities.
The impact of St Nicholas church’s revival extends beyond this single event. Tim Sweeting, Diocesan Secretary for the Diocese of Norwich, visited Bradwell to witness firsthand the preparations and was deeply moved by what he saw. “It has been so inspirational to meet the team at Bradwell and see the hive of activity behind the scenes, in readiness not only for their Nativity but also all the wide range of services and community events they have planned for Advent,” Sweeting remarked. “What Steve and Sara have achieved since arriving in the Diocese cannot be overstated, and the uplifting atmosphere here in the church while the team decorate is testament to the culture that has been created.” Rather than competing with other seasonal activities, the Nativity production has been carefully designed to complement the wider program of Advent and Christmas events throughout Bradwell, contributing to a cohesive season of reflection, celebration, and community engagement.
As December 4th approaches, the excitement continues to build among the volunteers and the wider Bradwell community. The Nativity service represents far more than just a seasonal performance—it embodies the renewal of community bonds, the sharing of talents and resources, and the inclusive spirit that now defines St Nicholas church. Children who attend will receive handmade animal figures created specifically for the event, adding a personal touch that extends the experience beyond the service itself. In Julia Knights’ words, the team is “really excited to share our version of the greatest story ever told.” This enthusiasm reflects the deeper mission that has emerged under Reverend Deall’s leadership: to create meaningful connections through shared creativity and celebration. As the Church of England nationally invites everyone to experience the joy of Advent and Christmas, St Nicholas in Bradwell stands as a shining example of how a community-centered approach can breathe new life into ancient traditions, making them relevant and accessible to all.
