Mummy I'm a Star

Last weekend at the Marché Noël the Children of Richelieu performed a Nativity play.

The script had been pre-recorded which left the children free to concentrate on actions, gesture and expression as they mimed along. Their costumes, too, looked brilliant.

La Creche Vivante on the church steps became the stage and the animals appeared unconcerned as the play unfolded around them.

It was magnificent, with a cast to give Noah a run for his money.. cats, dogs, chickens, guinea pigs... all the usual manger livestock! The list extends to fit the size of class, if I remember from my teaching days...

and of course you have to have a Star...

And what a Star! Animated, smiling and holding the star aloft with enthusiasm, she was literally the star of the show. Never once did she let her role slip. That star stayed upright for the duration of the performance with the occasional jump for joy when the spot light was on her...

and all too soon came the curtain call

We would happily have watched it again. Well done, the children of Richelieu!

One thing puzzled us.... Where were the Angels??

A man playing with his balls

Not something you see everyday...

Richelieu's Marché de Noël 3

How lucky we were with the weather yesterday evening for the Feu d'Artifice - the finale of Richelieu's Marché de Noël for 2012.

The fireworks were due to start at 6:30 so we got wrapped up and set off to be there for 6pm. We had time to take a walk round the stalls, still doing a roaring trade. It was even busier than during the day. The food stalls were doing particularly well, with la barbe à papa selling like....candy floss!

Père Noël was still there handing out sweets to children and adults alike.. though some of the children weren't so sure about such a tall figure (6' plus) looming down on them!

And in the background, Les Halles looked spectacular even in its current state of renovation. We weren't sure whether the decorating of the Christmas tree was finished or not, but the result was eye-catching...

Six thirty came and went with no sign of the promised Feu d'Artifice, though the crowds began to gather in the square close to the Porte de Chatellerault. Then just before 7pm the count down began and the fireworks started..

They were magnificent! Framed against the Porte  de Chatellerault, they looked amazing!
Well done, Richelieu! Another triumph and a wonderful start to the festive season!

Marché de Noël Richelieu 2

What a difference a bit of sunshine makes!

Richelieu's Marché de Noël came to life today, with larger crowds, sunshine and a really pleasant atmosphere.

The marquee with the traditional wooden games was particularly popular - and not just because it was heated!

There were more of these...

entertainment from 'Canto', a trio with a Mexican/Spanish flavour..

and of course, the man with the mic.. Here he is welcoming the most famous guest of all..

Poor chap spent most of his time today on less festive matters...
When we arrived we noticed parking restrictions in the Place du Cardinal had been flouted by several vehicles.

The man with the mic had the job of alerting the owners of these vehicles to the fact that if they didn't move their vehicles "immediatement" tonight's firework display could not be set up... Several attempts later he had just one driver to locate.

In the end he announced that the Police Municipal would be on the case. And as we left, they were!

We're back later for the fireworks!!