Northlew to host one of the South West’s largest nativity exhibitions

St Thomas’s Church in the village of Northlew, near Okehampton, is preparing to unveil what organisers believe could be the largest Nativity Exhibition in the South West. The event will run over the weekend of 13–14 December and will showcase dozens of Nativity sets and images from around the world.

The exhibition will explore the diverse ways the birth of Christ has been interpreted across cultures, with displays ranging from traditional carvings to imaginative handcrafted creations.

“Several years ago my husband, Victor, gave me an Olive wood nativity set that he bought from a Palestinian Christian in Jerusalem,” said Luisa Hulbert, one of the event’s creative designers. “The set had been hand carved in Bethlehem, and that gave it even more meaning, particularly with today’s Palestinian/Israeli tensions.”

Since receiving that first set, Luisa has built a collection spanning Africa, South America, and Europe — including pieces from Ukraine and Russia. Her passion has since inspired many others in the village to contribute.

Victor’s own inspiration grew from a visit to the Church of the Annunciation in Nazareth. Impressed by mosaics of Mary created by artists from different countries, he saw the potential for a display celebrating global interpretations of the Nativity. The Northlew exhibition expands this idea into full sets, complemented by family heirlooms and handcrafted contributions made from clay, felt, cork, egg boxes and even buttons.

A dedicated “Manger Grotto” will offer younger visitors an immersive way to experience the Nativity, and the exhibition will even feature a Lego version of the traditional scene.

Village Curate Rev Jonathan Cook said the event offers a rare opportunity to appreciate the Nativity through many cultural lenses. “I am so impressed with the varied styles and artistic impressions that I am seeing here of an event that is so central to Christianity,” he said. “We normally just see one set in an individual home. Just seeing all these together from so many different people and cultures in amazing.”

Admission is free, with refreshments available and donations invited to support Children’s Hospice South West.

Opening times: