AlterNativity scene goes on display in Auckland Castle

A nativity scene consisting of 24 life-size models has gone on display at Auckland Castle.

The models have been on display during December in the windows of shops and businesses in Bishop Auckland. Each model was made by a local school or community group.

On Christmas Eve the models were taken through the town in a parade from the statue of Stan Laurel to St Peter’s Chapel in Auckland Castle. They will be on display in Auckland Castle until Sunday, 5th January.

“The amount of work that the schools and the community groups have put into producing these fabulous works of art, led by Laura Brenchley who is just a genius, and now they’re all here displayed together it is just brilliant,” said Paul Butler, the Bishop of Durham.

The models include representations of the Zurbarán paintings which are housed in Auckland Castle. The last model to be revealed, of the infant Jesus, was placed in front of the contemporary models of Jesus and Mary.

The models and display are part of Bishop Auckland Town Team’s Advent Windows programme.