A tiny nativity scene that sits inside a walnut is among the nativities going on display at Great Malvern Priory.

Other miniature nativity scenes being featured include one in a sardine tin, one in a matchbox and another in a Green and Black’s chocolate box.

There is a knitted nativity scene, another made from banana leaves and others created from soapstone and wood from a tree in Scandinavia.

Malvern Gazette: This nativity was carved from a Scandinavian treeThis nativity was carved from a Scandinavian tree (Image: Rachel Huntley)

There will be 27 nativity scenes in total, including the life-size nativity that traditionally goes on display in the Priory during Advent.

The Festival of Nativities is the brainchild of Rachel Huntley, who has been collecting these nativity scenes for many years.

“They show us how the story of the birth of Christ is interpreted in different countries,” she said.  “They wear different costumes and use their own local materials.”

Some of the scenes have been made by members of the congregation and one or two are on loan. And many are very small, so visitors may want to bring a magnifying glass.

“We have two examples from India,” said Rachel, “one from Israel, another from Uganda. In all, eight countries are represented.”

Any children visiting will be invited to make their own scenes using a flower pot and there will be a candlelit launch evening at the church on Monday, November 27, with wine and nibbles and entertainment from the Jenny Lind Singers.

Tickets for this are £5 and are available from the Friends Shop in the Priory or on a QR code. Entrance at other times is, of course, free.

There is plenty happening at Great Malvern Priory in the next couple of weeks.

Children from Malvern Parish Primary School are performing a seasonal concert on Thursday, November 30 from 12.30pm to 1pm.

Guests are invited to bring their own lunch to this free event but tea, coffee and cake are available.

Another free concert takes place on Saturday, December 2 at 3pm.

A piano duet recital is being given by pianists Simon Ballard and Moira Gray. They’ll be playing music by Hummel, Mozart, Schubert and Moszkowski.