In a beautiful testament to community spirit and Christmas joy, St Mary's Church in Mildenhall, Suffolk, has achieved something truly remarkable. Over the Christmas season, the church became home to an astonishing 2,392 nativity sets, officially breaking the world record previously held by a Florida church since 2010.

The heartwarming project began with a simple call-out to the local community by Team Vicar, the Revd Sue Leathley. What followed was an overwhelming response that exceeded everyone's expectations. "They brought them from near and far," Ms Leathley shared with evident delight, describing how the community rallied together for this special endeavor.

The nativity sets arrived from all corners of the community, each one telling its own story. Local businesses opened their doors to contribute, schools got involved with their students' creations, the town library participated, and neighboring churches joined in the celebration. Residents of all ages brought their cherished nativity scenes to be part of this historic display.

What made the exhibition particularly special was the incredible variety and craftsmanship on show. Many of the nativity sets were lovingly handmade, showcasing an impressive array of craft techniques. From traditional wooden figures to innovative modern interpretations, each set represented hours of dedication and creative expression from members of the community.

The impact of this initiative went far beyond just breaking a record. Ms Leathley noted that the display attracted "more visitors than we've ever had" to the church. This meant that throughout the Christmas season, St Mary's became a hub of community activity, bringing together people who might not otherwise have visited, creating connections, and spreading Christmas cheer far and wide.

When the previous record of 2,150 nativity sets seemed within reach, the community didn't stop there. With an enthusiastic "extra push," as Ms Leathley described it, they surpassed the goal by more than 200 sets, demonstrating the power of collective determination and community spirit.

The official count took place on January 3rd, with Mildenhall's Mayor Russell Leaman and Deputy Mayor Grace Bristow participating in the memorable event. The counting of each Holy Family was done with care before the nativity sets were lovingly returned to their owners, each person taking home not just their decoration, but memories of being part of something extraordinary.

The achievement now awaits verification by Guinness World Records, but for the people of Mildenhall, the real victory has already been won. This project brought together people from all walks of life, united by a shared celebration of the Christmas story and a desire to create something meaningful together.

In a world that often feels divided, St Mary's Church has shown how a simple idea can blossom into something that brings an entire community together, creating joy, fostering connections, and celebrating the true spirit of Christmas—unity, generosity, and shared purpose.