Volunteers sought as
preparations continue for spectacular show
by Liam Porter, Inishowen
Independent
PREPARATIONS are continuing in Carndonagh this week
for the staging of the North West’s only Live Crib
with this Sunday’s event set to be bigger and better
than ever before.
For seven years now, the community in Carndonagh and
beyond has come together to put on a spectacular
show that one of the organisers, Ailish Tully, says
helps people re-focus on the real meaning of
Christmas.
Speaking to the Inishowen Independent, Ailish
explained that the idea for the Live Crib came
several years ago after a number of locals heard of
a similar event in Limerick.
“We heard about that and began to talk about it and
we quickly discovered there was a big interest. In
fact there has never been any problem getting people
to come on board, people in Carndonagh might not
feel like its Christmas any more if it were to
stop.”
The spectacular live show now has around 300 locals
involved from the planning and organising, making
costumes or the stable or stewarding.
“It really is a well-oiled machine now at this
stage, we have responsibility for several of the
various aspects all delegated out and it makes life
easier for everyone. However there is always room
for more volunteers and we always make new people
feel more than welcome.”
The live event is an ecumenical event with
participants from across the various denominations
involved in all aspects of the production.
“This really is a huge community venture, everyone
gets involved and have done from the very first
year. People donate material for the costumes and
set and give of their time so freely in an effort to
make the event a really special one.”
The reputation of the live event has stretched far
and wide now and visitors come, not only from all
parts of Inishowen, but from all over Donegal and
the north-west to watch.
“The idea behind this event is to make special
memories for the children and to re-focus people on
the Christmas story. Everyone who has ever attended
has found it to be a magnificent experience and we
always try to so something different every year.”
This weekend’s event gets under way at 6 pm and
adults and children are invited to dress up as
nativity characters and join the opening Lantern
Procession which will lead the Holy Family from the
Diamond to the stable which will be located at the
Diamond entrance to the Church grounds. To join in,
simply come along to the Diamond at 5.45 p.m.
“We also need stewards, collectors, singers etc. and
we’re on the lookout for a lamb! For further details
or to offer your help, please ring 9374938,” Ailish
concluded.
Sunday’s live event will be recorded by Inishowen
Community Radio. |
