AN open air Nativity production returned to entertain festive crowds in a city centre on Thursday night.

Following the success of the Durham City Live Nativity last year, St Nicholas Church in partnership with the city’s Business Improvement District (BID), repeated the performance in the Market Place.

A few twists and tweaks were added to improve the spectacle, including raising the three spotlighted stages to give onlookers a better view of the action.

But it stuck largely to the traditional Nativity storyline, with a few regional references to please the audience.

It also brought the welcome return of three camels and a donkey who joined members of local churches and community groups in telling the Christmas Story.

The Reverend Joanne Thorns said the church and Durham BID team wanted to find a way of bringing a spectacular, family-friendly re-telling of the Christmas Story to the public at large.

“The idea of a live nativity outdoors with animals, a heavenly host, and a real baby began to form and our first Live Nativity happened last year, and was hugely successful.

“So, we decided to do it all again, with a few slight amendments,” added the Rev Thorns, regional officer for North-East Churches Together, who regularly worships at St Nicholas Church.

Music was provided by members of local churches, supported by Durham University Gospel Choir.

As the weather stayed kind, following heavy downpours earlier in the day, the performance featured a rendition of the Hallelujah Chorus and culminated in carols for all to join in with the 80-plus cast members.