Families, churches and local residents are invited to celebrate the Christmas story in a unique and memorable way this December by joining a lantern-lit Nativity procession through the Bedfordshire countryside.
"Follow the Donkey" will take place on Wednesday 23rd December 2026, bringing together The Chellington Centre, St Mary's Church, Carlton, and churches from across the Chellington Team Ministry for an afternoon of community, carols and festive celebration.
The event will begin at The Chellington Centre at 3.15pm, where participants will gather before setting off behind Anthony the donkey on a procession through the fields to St Mary's Church, Carlton. Accompanied by lanterns, torches and Christmas carols, the procession will recreate the journey to Bethlehem before arriving at the church between 4.15pm and 4.30pm for a special Christingle service.
Visitors of all ages are encouraged to dress as characters from the Nativity story, although fancy dress is entirely optional.
The event aims to bring the local community together and offer a meaningful opportunity to celebrate Christmas while supporting a good cause.
All proceeds from the event will be donated to The Children's Society.
Following the service, attendees will be able to enjoy festive refreshments including carols, mince pies and mulled wine.
Due to limited parking at St Mary's Church, visitors are asked to park at The Chellington Centre. Transport back to vehicles will be available if required.
The organisers welcome everyone to attend and encourage participants to bring a lantern or torch to help light the way.
Event Details
Follow the Donkey: Lantern-Lit Nativity Procession
Date: Wednesday 23 December 2026
Time: Meet at 3.15pm
Meet at: The Chellington Centre, Felmersham Road, Carlton MK43 7NA
Destination: St Mary's Church, Turvey Road, Carlton MK43 7LD
Arrive at Church: 4.15pm-4.30pm
Cost: Donations welcome. All proceeds to The Children's Society.
The event is being organised by St Mary's Church, Carlton and The Chellington Centre in partnership with all the churches within the Chellington Team Ministry, including St Peter's Harrold, All Saints Odell, St Mary the Virgin Podington, St Mary the Virgin Stevington and St Lawrence Wymington.
