Shirley: Christmas on the Green lights up the parish

Christmas on the Green at St James’ by the Park Church lit up the shortest day of the year, closing part of Colebrook Avenue to spread cheer across the park.

Free hot chocolates, tea and mince pies were given out to those braving the wet and cold, with a children’s choir taking to the stage later on.

The Salvation Army band also performed and Reverend Dan Clark hosted the evening of entertainment on December 21.

Reverend Dan Clark, who hosted and organised the event. (Image: Newsquest) “It’s lovely to see people milling around, enjoying themselves,” Rev Clark said.

“On the shortest day of the year, sometimes the world can feel a bit dark, and we want to talk about Jesus bringing the light into the world, and bringing the light and hope of the true Christmas message in the Shirley community.”

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Outside, a nativity dress-up photo booth gave families the chance to put themselves in the stable, plus a scavenger hunt sent children around the green to find letters to answer a Christmas riddle.

A table full of knitted sheep was up for grabs in the prize draw. (Image: Newsquest) For those who completed the hunt, a prize draw was held to win knitted sheep that have been parading around Shirley High Street shop windows all week.

Inside the parish hall, families queued to have a go at some crafts, where they could create straw Christmas ornaments and felt stars.

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“We love to see lots of families coming around,” Rev Clark said.

The Salvation Army brass band warmed up the crowd by bringing carols to life at the event. (Image: Newsquest) “We’ve had lots of families in the church this week for all of the school events we’ve had, and we want to build a community of all ages here, people without children as well as lots of children. It’s good to see a real mix of the community.”

Churches across Shirley worked together to bring the event to life.

Si Munsie, pastor of Life Church Southampton which meets in Shirley, described the event as great for all ages.

“As we celebrate the birth of Jesus and come together to sing carols, we’re trying to build a sense of community, we want anyone to feel they belong here,” she said.