It’s the most wonderful time of the year when Carols by Candlelight Geelong returns to Johnstone Park next Monday.
The carols are now in their 61st year and it’s a great privilege and pleasure to be part of this free, family event as your City of Greater Geelong mayor.
Already I’ve had the honour of sharing the stage with Geelong living legend Denis Walter this year for Carols by the Bay.
Wet weather forced those carols inside but thanks to organisers and the unflappable Denis, who took it all in his stride, we still had a fantastic community concert inside Geelong Arena.
I can only hope the weather holds up better for next week’s event, run by YMCA Geelong with support from the City of Greater Geelong’s Community Partnerships Program.
These carols have been put together by Geelong’s young people to support young people, and to showcase some of our city’s finest homegrown talent.
KF Dance will kick off the preshow entertainment before the main event, which will local artists Milla Best, Cam Henderson, Alannah Farrar and Chelsea and Ari Gibb.
The Mik Maks and the cast from Footlight Productions will also perform, with a certain jolly man in red set to make a very special visit later in the night.
Organisers have moved the carols, traditionally held on Christmas Eve, forward one day to allow even more families to attend, and I hope to see a big crowd there on 23 December.
Bring your picnic rug and festive cheer, pack some food or grab a treat from the food trucks on site, and come celebrate Christmas in the heart of Geelong.
And we’re spoilt for choice with plenty of other carols and events on across the region tonight and this weekend to get everyone into the festive spirit.
Portarlington Community Carols are on tonight at W.G. Little Reserve, while at the other end of our municipality we have Christmas in Lara.
Our performing arts venues are also getting into the spirit tonight with Christmas at the (Potato) Shed in Drysdale and global star and Eurovision alumni Dami Im coming to Geelong Arts Centre as part of her Christmas Songbook Tour.
While you’re enjoying the festive season and relaxing with family, remember that Christmas can be a tough time for some.
So I encourage you to donate where you can, check in on those who may be struggling, drive safe and look after each other during the festive season.
Have a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.
