Marlborough’s Christmas celebration in St Mary’s Church, displaying over 1700 angels decorated by members of the community, was officially opened this afternoon, Saturday December 5. The Bishop of Ramsbury, Right Revd Dr Andrew Rumsey accompanied by Rev Chris Smith, Team Rector at St Mary’s welcomed visitors to the opening.
Visitors can enjoy the walk-through light and sound spectacular every afternoon from 12-7pm until January. The angels, based on a template of an angel on a stained glass window in St Mary’s, are colourful and creative. Some angels are decorated to represent family members far and near or express thoughts or prayers during lockdown.
The angels shimmer delicately beneath a starry ceiling. A numbered trail leads visitors through the canopy of the ‘heavenly host’ to arrive at a nativity scene. Christmas meditative music plays softly in the background.
Organiser Helen Stokes told Marlborough.news, “We have had a fantastic response from the community. People of all ages have enjoyed decorating the paper angels – from members of the Jubilee Centre right down to pre-school children. People are coming in and trying to spot their angel.
The project has been a way of bringing the community together to experience Christmas in a way that we hope will be meaningful to everyone.”
Officially opening the display, the Bishop of Ramsbury, Right Revd Dr Andrew Rumsey, said, “This is a remarkable spectacle. Angels are part of the familiar cast. They are mysterious characters, messengers and intermediaries between heaven and earth. They bring good news of what’s to come.”
Pointing to the display he commented, “This is a stunning throng. They are a sign of peace, goodwill and hope for our community in the New Year.”
Great Bedwyn’s guess the Christmas carol trail
