Why you might see camels in Leigh Park this month

Don't be alarmed '“ this isn't the result of global warming '“ but rather as part of a free festival for residents across the estates.

Starlight Festival will be taking place on Saturday, November 24, at St Francis' Church in RIders Lane.

The camels will walk from the church to the Greywell Shopping Centre and back between 10.45am and 12.15pm, and then will stay at St Francis Church for the rest of the day.

The event, organised by St Francis' Church and St Clare's Church to promote community spirit by bringing together local groups and residents.

Event organiser Carolyn Owens said: '˜We want to create an event for residents which brings everyone together as we all begin to prepare for Christmas '“ a sort of community Christmas launch.

'˜They [the camels] are three beautiful creatures; they look amazing and to remind us of the Christmas story they will be ridden by three local magi in gorgeous costumes.

'˜The spectacle they create is as irresistibly life-affirming as it is surprising and it is exactly the sort of dazzle that people need.'

Local dance and music groups will showcase their talents at the festival and there will be craft activities and refreshments.

The police, scouts, food bank, churches and community groups will also be attending.

Carolyn added: '˜People can come to the Starlight Festival to see what is available to them over the festive season '“ from tips on keeping warm through the winter to alternative dates for the Christmas holiday bin collections, from details of the Grotto opening to sharing Christmas Day lunch at Park Community School '“ and everything in between.'

The vicar, Jonathan Jeffery, said: '˜The message of the church is for all people, at all times, in all places.

'˜Here in Leigh Park and Warren Park that is consistently the foundation for all we seek to be and all we try to do.

'˜The Starlight Festival is another way to emphasise that message and to celebrate this community.'