The event, on the morning of Saturday 13 December 2025, saw five sets of nativity characters ‘hidden’ outside shops/businesses in Copnor Road for people to find.
Organiser Catherine Burt says ‘The Compass Project Portsmouth is a New Places for New People initiative working in the Copnor area of Portsmouth, without a designated building. We’re trying to build community, not just put on events, and so the Hide & Seek Nativity was part of this and our exploratory work as we look to introduce families to the Christian faith in contexts and ways that are relevant to them.
‘Earlier this year we ran an Easter egg trail with pictures of eggs in shop windows for people to find. But, for Christmas, we decided to ‘hide’ actual people to make it more interactive.
‘Before Covid, the local Methodist Church (which has now amalgamated with the two others in the city) used to run a walking nativity in the area attracting hundreds of people, but it didn’t enable chatting to people individually. The Hide & Seek Nativity was a slower-paced event and, by serving refreshments in the park, it provided an ideal opportunity to have more time to chat with people, build relationships, and share more about the hope and joy of Christmas. Plus, as the event was free, it demonstrated generous hospitality.’
Each set of nativity characters had a word related to Christmas and, once all five had been collected, participants had to share them with the Compass team in College Park in order to receive a little festive sweet treat.
Catherine adds ‘At the event we saw God in the joy of those taking part and learning more about the real meaning of Christmas, in the smiles of the children as they saw the nativity cast and as they were given a chocolate angel prize, and in the chats we were able to have with those who attended. We had some chocolate angels left over so I’ve since been able to share those with the staff at the shops and businesses who took part - seeing their beaming faces at being gifted some free treats was also lovely!’
Thank you to Beceries, The Flower Shop by Alison, Neon Numbers, Amanda Martin MP, and Searson Family Funeral Service for hosting the characters.
Plus, Catherine adds ‘And thank you to the girls and boys, from 8th Portsmouth Girls’ Brigade and 4th Portsmouth Boys’ Brigade, who played our cast. They loved wearing their costumes, handing out stickers, and waving at the cars going past. The event was well received by the local community and all those taking part said it was great fun! They were keen to find out more about The Compass Project Portsmouth too. Some people didn’t know about the event but after passing by and speaking to the nativity cast decided to join in. One dad and daughter ran the route and completed it in just 15 minutes as the event was coming to a close!’
You can find out more at www.facebook.com/compassprojectportsmouth