Families enjoy Bathurst's Carols by Candlelight

MACHATTIE Park was swamped by eager families after a prime spot for the annual Carols by Candlelight last night.

It was clear from very early on that the night would attract a large crowd, as patrons arrived several hours before the event got underway.

Mitchell Conservatorium put on a stellar show that celebrated the Christmas spirit – along with the talent, young and old, Bathurst has to offer.

The long list of local stars included Chris Hillier, Olivia Fisher, George Sargent and Liam Auhl, all students, past and present, of the Mitchell Conservatorium, and community groups playing everything from ukuleles to harps. 

Everyone joined in the traditional Christmas carols as promised by Mitchell Conservatorium director Graham Sattler.

“The focus is very much on the community. There will be no music that isn’t Christmas music this year,” he said this week.

Adults and children bopped along to the upbeat tracks like Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer and Jingle Bells.

When the slower, more traditional carols, including Away in a Manger, were performed, candles and glowsticks were swayed to the music. 

For many of the people there, this wasn’t their first time at the event.

Kristina Ivers brought her young children to the Carols by Candlelight last year.

“We’re hoping we’ll make the whole night this time,” she said.

Mrs Ivers loves the family atmosphere the night promotes and enjoyed singing the carols with her family. 

“It makes you feel all Christmasy and you get into the spirit with the carols,” she said. 

One of the highlights of the night, as always, was the treasured visit from Santa Claus, who was a big hit when he greeted all the children. 

There were fears that the Carols by Candlelight would have to be cancelled due to bad weather, but the skies cleared just in time for the event.

“We’re thrilled and we’re very lucky,” Mr Sattler said.

- Look back over carol lyrics