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The story of the first Christmas will be retold on the streets of Liverpool by BBC Three on Sunday, 16 December.

Using the music of Liverpool a star studded cast will be joined by the people of Merseyside for an hour long event which will open with the iconic image of a star over Liverpool.

Geoffrey Hughes who starred in Coronation Street and Keeping Up Appearances will lead the cast as Angel Gabriel, Cathy Tyson will play the villainous Herodia and Jennifer Ellison will play an angel.

Far from being the simple story beloved of school plays throughout the world, this is a drama as fresh and relevant today as it was 2000 years ago. The intimate, personal story of a pregnant young girl set against a backdrop of political tension and unrest.

Rehearsals for the Liverpool Nativity

You can take part in person by going to William Brown Street in Liverpool City Centre. The performance starts at 8pm, and make sure you bring a torch.

There are no tickets for the event, simply turn up. The performance will be broadcast live on BBC Three at 8pm on Sunday, 16 December.

The hour-long production will use familiar songs from Liverpool’s great pop legacy to bring the story to life. Popular music from a wealth of Liverpool bands – The Beatles, The La’s, The Zutons and many more – is given a vibrant new twist and performed by characters in the drama and a live orchestra.

Developed by the team behind The Manchester Passion, the mammoth production will involve over 300 cast and 150 technical crew and will be the springboard for Liverpool's year as European Capital of Culture 2008.