Procession

ON THE MARSH

Standing on romney marsh in kent, surrounded by pasture and grazing sheep, the 13th-century st thomas à becket church provides the setting for a particularly atmospheric christmas celebration. proceedings begin with congregants processioning across the marshes under the wide night sky by torchlight. once they arrive at the brick and timber church, they’re welcomed into an interior lit only by candles. it’s a spine-tingling sight, but also one of necessity: since it was built 800 years ago, the church has never been fitted with electricity. “the hardest part is getting here,” says reverend shuna body, who has been holding the service since 2008. “but you can’t help being captivated once you arrive at the church. the fact that so many people come is testament to its magic.”