In the spirit: Maisie, 5, looks forward to this weekend’s Christmas carols on Torquay’s foreshore.
ERIN PEARSON
CUTE kids, carols and all things Christmas will light up Torquay’s foreshore this weekend thanks to a bunch of budding young musicians, according to organisers.
Torquay Carols by the Sea organiser Chris Rowney said staff expected “a few hundred” people would attend the show, an initiative of the town’s combined churches.
Rowney said volunteers would have their “fingers and toes” crossed for nice weather as they helped sing in the festive season.
“It’s a fun thing that isn’t commercial and that’s a real attraction for families,” he said.
“It’s about coming out with your picnic rug, getting a candle or glow stick and building family memories.
“We’ll have The Salvation Army band, local school groups and various choirs singing all your favorite Christmas carols.”
Rowney said guest performer Cameron Semmens would add a touch of poetry to this year’s event.
“Cameron will tell the Christmas story in a poem that will be filled with humour and thought-provoking bits.”
Salvation Army music coordinator Lyndel Berris said her group of preschool children was “bursting at the seams” to shine on stage.
The children, all aged under five, were participants in Salvos music program Mainly Music, Berris said.
The children were spending the week learning the festive lyrics ahead of their moment on stage.
“We have about 90 kids across our program and we hope more than half will be able to perform on the night,” Berris said.
“The carols are a real community event and a great way for kids to get involved in Christmas.”
Berris said the Salvos group of children would sing traditional Christmas favorites Away in a Manger, Rudolf the Red Nosed Reindeer and We Wish You A Merry Christmas.
The night would be an important time for children to create “special memories”, she said
“I get such a huge thrill in seeing their faces up on stage.
“If they can see mum or dad or grandma and grandpa watching on that’s the highlight for me.
“We just want them to have fun and enjoy it.”
Other performances will include groups from Torquay College, St Therese Primary School and churches.
Torquay Carols by the Sea begins 7.30pm Saturday at Tor-quay’s Elephant Walk, on The Esplanade near the end of Gilbert St.
