THREE performances of Malmesbury’s popular Nativity will take place at the Abbey on Christmas Eve – with the town’s church leader promising that the singers and band will perform carols as if they were Mumford and Sons.

The specially tailored Nativity, which has lured hundreds of people to the historic Abbey over the past three years, will draw on famous characters from Malmesbury’s past as well as featuring a Spanish subplot.

Young professional Wiltshire actors, Jake Drake, Rob Hinwood, Rhiana Young and Rosie Archer – will each play the part of some the town’s best known people.

These are 7th Century Bishop of Malmesbury St Aldhelm, Elmer the Monk who tried to fly from the Abbey walls, England’s foremost 12th Century historian William of Malmesbury and Hannah Twynnoy, the local girl killed by a circus tiger.

The aim will be to “bring the actual biblical nativity to life, using the words of St Luke and St Matthew alongside a humorous modern script.”

This year the plot will include the struggles of a modern Malmesbury family in their attempts to get back from Malaga for Christmas, and will conclude with the entire audience singing Jose Feliciano’s rousing Feliz Navidad.

The Vicar of Malmesbury, Revd Canon Neill (correct) Archer, said: ‘I adore it when the Abbey is full of candles and quiet beautiful music, and that happens a lot here.

“But The Malmesbury Nativity is something very different for all the family and has become a very special part of Christmas for many people, including myself.

“The band make the traditional carols sound like Mumford and Sons and the mulled and cider allows the Christmas festivities to begin a little early.’

The first performance is on Wednesday at 7pm followed by three on Christmas Eve at 1pm, 3pm and 5pm.

Tickets (Adults £2.50, Children free) are available from the Abbey in advance or the door. Contact Sandie Brown on (01666) 826666 or go to www.malmesburyabbey.com.