The song at the free event will be sung by Sunderland’s school children, local choirs and church musicians, during the carol celebration.

The day’s festivities will be run entirely by volunteers from Connect Network – a network that brings Christians, churches and communities together to help transform Sunderland.

Deb Fozzard, Director of Connect Network said: “We’re delighted that Ha’way in a Manger is now in its third year.

“Christmas is an important date for Christians and Connect Network is so pleased to have the opportunity to share hope and joy with everyone in the local community.

“Everyone is invited and you don’t have to be Christian to enjoy the festive fun on offer. We look forward to welcoming people of all faiths, or none, to join us in a joyful celebration of the spirit of the season, and the wonderful city of Sunderland.”

However, the event will also include activities directed towards prayer.

Prayer stations will provide people of all ages the opportunity to be creative and thoughtful, as they will be able to decorate baubles hanging them as prayers or enjoy a sweet treat from a pick ‘n’ mix prayer stall, which will give candy bags containing reminders of the meaning behind Christmas.

Ha’way in a Manger will be running from 2pm to 5pm at Park Lane Shopping Village and there will be no charge for activities.

The ex-children’s television host announced last month that his spouse Gemma passed away just three days after falling ill with acute myeloid leukaemia.

pic.twitter.com/7X4kUKoJrQ

— Simon Thomas (@SimonThomasSky) December 3, 2017

The 44-year-old Christian said in his first tweet since he shared a picture of his wife and their eight-year-old son Ethan, that he was yet to read all the messages he had been sent his wife died.

“I have only been able to read a fraction of the incredible outpouring of love and support for us on here in the painful days that followed,” he said.

“One day, with my boy, we will read them. For now, all I can say from the depths of my heart, is thank you.”

Today I am crushed with indescribable pain. Just three days after falling ill with Acute Myloid Leukaemia, my dear wife Gemma passed away yesterday evening surrounded by her family and friends. If you are a prayer – pray for my boy Ethan. 8yrs, precious and in bits. Thank you.

— Simon Thomas (@SimonThomasSky) November 25, 2017

The Premier League presenter had previously asked people to pray for his son who he described as “in bits”.

Around 3,100 people in the UK are diagnosed every year with acute myeloid leukaemia, a blood cancer which can affect both children and adults.

US intelligence assessments seen by the New York Times and Wall Street Journal identified Prince Mohammed bin Salman, the heir to the Saudi throne, as the buyer of the Renaissance artist’s work.

Reports initially identified the buyer of Salvator Mundi, Italian for Saviour of the World, as Prince Bader bin Abdullah, an ally of Prince Mohammed but he is now believed to have been acting as an intermediary.

Abu Dhabi’s Department of Culture and Tourism announced this week that it has acquired Leonardo da Vinci’s painting and that it will go on display at Louvre Abu Dhabi.

Displaying the artwork in the Arab state will be controversial as Muslims believe Jesus is a prophet rather than the Saviour and some conservative scholars frown on or condemn the portrayal of God’s messengers in artwork.

The masterpiece has been hailed as one of the greatest artistic rediscoveries of the last 100 years.

At the time of the sale in November, the buyer was unidentified and was involved in a bidding contest, via telephone, that lasted nearly 20 minutes.

His recommendation comes after it emerged that the former vice-chancellor of Bath Spa University was handed more than £800,000 in her final year.

Speaking during the annual Lords debate led by Most Rev Justin Welby, Lord Adonis recommend limits and governance reforms to deal with the “scandal” of vice-chancellor pay.

The former Labour cabinet minister noted that some had likened themselves to Diego Maradona or Sir Richard Branson.

Accounts for Bath Spa University show Prof Christina Slade was paid £429,000 “for loss of office” on top of her £250,000 salary and other benefits.

Glynis Breakwell, vice-chancellor of nearby Bath University, was forced to step down last week following an outcry over her £468,000 pay package.

Jo Johnson, the universities minister, has called on universities to restrain pay of senior management after research from University and College Union (UCU) showed the average pay for vice-chancellors had risen to £278,000 in 2015-16.

The silence of @JoJohnsonUK is deafening on VC pay. Government paralysed. https://t.co/ddxxbnaU3G

— Andrew Adonis (@Andrew_Adonis) December 7, 2017

Lord Adonis criticised Johnson on Twitter for her “silence” as details of vice-chancellor’s pay comes to light.