Sydney council denies dumping Christmas nativity event

A Sydney council has denied claims it has "banned" a community Christmas event, insisting the tradition will be going ahead but at a different location.

Reports had suggested Mosman Council had stopped a Christmas nativity scene from being placed in the foyer of its chambers in the city's north this year.

It also claimed a 'blessing' of the crib had also been canned.

The son of a former mayor of the area, blasted the council on the Ben Fordham show on 2GB.

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Anthony Lopez said his dad, who donated the nativity scene would be "disgusted" the Blessing of the Crib performed by local children, would not be held at the local Seniors Centre this year,

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"It's just part of Christmas, a tradition that's been going on for years," he said.

Mosman Council said the blessing of the crib will be part of the Carols by Candlelight event at Balmoral Beach next month rather than taking place at the chambers.

It stated that the crib was donated to the Interchurch Council, not the council, and the 'blessing' was never a designated community event.

"Mosman Council loves Christmas and our Mayor will be attending the Council-designated community event Carols by Candlelight on 17 December, which we support free of charge, and at which we anticipate the blessing of the crib will be held," a spokeswoman, told nine.com.au.

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"Having consulted with St Clement's Church, it was decided that a church or church gathering, such as the carols, would be an appropriate setting to host, fund and facilitate the event."

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