Join us to celebrate our patron saint with a Praise Service.

Churches dedicated to St Nicholas are the highest in the league table of saints but Ickford is one of the few to keep up the tradition of installing a child bishop to preside over the service. Our child bishop, in cope and mitre, also lights the first candle on the Advent wreath.

Who was St Nicholas?
St Nicholas is the origin of Santa Claus leaving children their presents on Christmas Eve. But where did the story come from? Three girls are being sold into slavery by their father who is too poor to provide them with a dowry. After praying, the girls wake up to find that Nicholas has intervened and left them three bags of gold in the night. Watch as children from Ickford School enact the saint’s tale.

Can you find the gold?
After the service, children can hunt for St Nicholas's 'golden coins' hidden around the church. There’s piñata too, filled with sweets, and coffee and cake for the adults. Look closely at the Churchwardens' staffs for the emblem representing three bags of gold.