A Tradition Preserved: Atherton’s Nativity Parade Survives
A cherished tradition in the Lancashire town of Atherton, nestled between Wigan and Bolton, has found a way to continue despite a recent controversy. The annual Christmas procession, which features nativity characters and donkeys, was nearly canceled after an unexpected decision by local authorities. However, due to strong community support, the event is set to go ahead as planned.
The parade, a beloved part of the town’s holiday celebrations, typically includes donkeys adorned with festive decorations. These animals are not only a visual highlight but also provide rides for children participating in the event. This year, however, the future of the parade appeared uncertain when a local councillor announced that it would have to be canceled.
Cllr Stuart Gerrard, representing the area, stated that a decision made by Wigan Council had ruled out the use of animals in the event. He explained that there was insufficient time to restructure the parade, leading to its potential cancellation. This news sparked immediate backlash from residents, who viewed the move as an attack on their traditions and freedoms.
Adrian White, administrator of a local community Facebook group, expressed his frustration, calling the decision “totally unacceptable.” He emphasized the importance of the nativity celebration as a Christian tradition and urged the community to stand together against what he saw as an infringement on their rights. “Instead of trying to defend their actions and accepting them we should stand together as a community and yell NO!” he wrote.
Even some local politicians weighed in on the debate. Jess Eastoe, a Labour councillor from neighboring Tyldesley, suggested that the parade could proceed without the donkeys. “Hear me out but could it just go ahead without donkeys? Isn’t the star of the show baby Jesus anyway?” she asked.
Despite these concerns, the organizers of the parade, the Atherton Residents’ Association, confirmed that the event will take place “donkeys and all.” They attributed the initial confusion to a misunderstanding within the council regarding the rules governing the use of animals in community-run events versus those organized by the council itself.
“A spokesperson for the association said, ‘It seems there was some confusion among some officers regarding the council’s policy on the use of animals in community-run events versus council-run events, and this wasn’t relayed properly to the organizers.’ The officer in charge has apologized sincerely, and I am very pleased that everything has now been cleared up so the event can go ahead as planned.'”
Wigan Council clarified that their policy prohibits the use of live animals “for entertainment purposes” in council-run events. However, since the nativity parade is classified as a community event, the same restrictions do not apply. The council did, however, advised the organizers to prioritize animal welfare.
The mix-up was met with criticism from locals, many of whom took to social media to express their dissatisfaction. Some even humorously suggested that the council was “led by donkeys.”
The incident highlights the importance of clear communication between local authorities and the community. While the parade is now set to continue, the episode serves as a reminder of how deeply rooted traditions are in the hearts of residents and the lengths they will go to protect them.