Drive-in nativity play with real animals returning to Leicestershire

If you're looking for something a bit different to do this Christmas, young farmers in Melton are putting on a drive-in nativity service that the audience watch from their cars. It's the fifth time the Leicestershire and Rutland Federation of Young Farmers Clubs has put on the Drive-In Living Nativity.

There will be two shows and the audience drive in and tune their car radios to listen to the production. And people can also decorate their vehicles to get even more into the festive spirit.

As an added bonus, the event will feature real live animals. There will be two services at 4.30pm and at 6.30pm on Sunday, December 15, at Melton Mowbray Market.

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Those who can't make it can listen to the performance, which will be broadcast live on 103 They Eye, which is also available for the audience to listen to through their car radios. The stage will be an articulated lorry, flanked by two tractors and while young farmers will play the main characters, shepherds and angels, the sheep, horses and donkey will be real.

The performance will also involve some vintage tractors and a telehandler. County chairman Becky Busby said ‘We wanted to grow on the success of the last four years and offer something really special to the local community this Christmas.

"We are very excited and really looking forward to welcoming new and past attendees to the event."

All funds raised from the event will be split between the Leicestershire YFC and Rainbows Hospice for Children and Young People in Loughborough.

To book your tickets, in return for a suggested donation of £10 per car, search the internet for "Living Nativity Melton".