Have yourself a Mackem Little Christmas at music event

After a successful debut in 2015, Ha’way in a Manger is back this year and will see city churches and community groups celebrating the reason for the season.

The event, on Saturday, December 10, will include music, dance, drama and storytelling, and will take place in Keel Square from 2pm to 5pm.

Ha’way in a Manger is one of three Christmas events organised by Sunderland Connect Network. The first, Praise in the Pubs, is this Saturday when there will be traditional carol singing with a modern twist in Park Lane. Musicians and singers from local churches will be leading the carols between 3pm and 5pm.

And on Thursday, December 8, the network will lead a candle-lit carol singing journey around the city centre. Led by young people from local schools and

community groups, the Carols and Candles event will start and finish with mulled wine and mince pies at Sunderland Minster (5.30pm – 7.30pm).

Deb Fozzard, director of Connect Network, said: “Through Ha’way in a Manger we’re hoping to spread the good news of the birth of Jesus. We want this to be a celebration of God and of the people in our city.

“If God was a Mackem I’m sure he would be shouting Ha’way Sunderland because he is cheering us on during this significant time of change and uncertainty.

“We’re grateful to the huge numbers of volunteers, particularly from the churches, but also schools and community groups who are not just willing to give up their time to get involved but are so enthusiastic.”