Birmingham is re-instating its Nativity Trail at the city's art gallery, just a year after it was dropped as a regular feature of its Christmas celebrations.
At the time its demise after eight years was blamed on a lack of funding and a review of all events set up by the independent trust that took control of Birmingham’s galleries and museums from the City Council in 2012.
The issue was a sensitive one for Birmingham, which was once infamously accused of trying to replace Christmas with a non-religious “Winterval”. A spokeswoman for the gallery said: “We had a couple of comments last year about its absence, but it is something which we know is popular with certain groups so we are pleased to be able to re-instate it.
“We are introducing a wider Christmas campaign this year of which this is part. Last year everything was being reviewed in light of changing resources and this year we have the capacity to actually do it. We are pleased to have it back.”
The trail, which is billed as illustrating the Christmas story through the eyes of some of the world’s greatest artists, will run from 24 November until Christmas Eve.
The Archbishop of Birmingham, Bernard Longley, said: “I’m delighted that the people of Birmingham will be able to enjoy the Nativity Trail again this year. A short walk through 500 years of art history will allow visitors to experience the wonder of the Christmas story. My thanks to all those involved in bringing the art collection and the trail together. I know that the other faith leaders in the city will be pleased at this renewed recognition of such a major Christian festival.”
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