The Hub's live nativity goes down a treat with Cookstown families

The event saw the three wise men - along with their llama-camels - parade from Loy Street to meet Mary and Joseph and their trusty steed, who walked from Oldtown.

And hundreds lined the streets to see them make the journey, which the Mail reported live on its Facebook page.

The brains behind the event, Carol Doey, said she was amused to see Mary, Joseph and their ‘donkey’ listed on the Parades Commission application for the event - which saw the roads cordoned off for a short time.

But the mood in Cookstown was one of pure magic as crowds lined the streets to see the procession pass, before following them to the Hub, where Mary and Joseph welcomed their very real baby Jesus to a chorus of Christmas carols perfromed by the very talented Hub Choir.

And as with anything Christmas-related, the smell of chesnuts roasting on an open fire and hot apple juice filled the air, while children excitedly lined up for sweet treats including marshmallows dipped in hot chocolate.

Locals took to social media after the event to praise the work of the team behind it, which included locals and Hub volunteers.

Guests were also invited to post their wishes, thoughts and prayers at the Hub’s brand new prayer tree.

Following the event, Carol took to Facebook to say: “One of the best nights in our year.

“Mary, Joseph and little baby Jesus... our four Shepherds... our little angel Mark, The thre wise men... two Llamas... two sheep and the little red pony.”

Thanking everyone from the police, food providers, marshalls, builders, council, Jungle NI’s Bobby Carmichael for the animals, volunteers and entertainers, she added: “From all at the Hub, from the bottom of our hearts - Thank you.”