THE festive spirit will hit Machattie Park on Sunday with the first note of the annual Reliance Credit Union Carols by Candlelight.
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Now in its 39th year, the community carols event brings people of all ages together to enjoy a variety of Christmas carols and songs.
Mitchell Conservatorium hosts the event every year and executive director Graham Sattler said it was going to be another fantastic event.
“This year the conservatorium has taken a bit of a different approach in that we auditioned for community members who wanted to be involved,” he said.
“That was very exciting process and very successful.”
The program features a number of local identities, including Smith and Jones, George Sargeant, Peter Denmead, the Allegri Singers and the Bathurst City and RSL Concert Band, which will accompany all the soloists.
“[Mr Denmead] will be both playing in the band and, for the first time, stepping out for a solo, singing O Holy Night,” Mr Sattler said.
Mr Sattler will also perform a duet with the event’s emcee, Lauren Plenderleith.
“She starred not so long ago in [Carillon Theatrical Society’s] Rock of Ages and, I think for the first time, the emcee and I will be singing a duet,” Mr Sattler said.
Santa Claus is tipped to make an appearance at the event as well.
“We’ve been told he does favour the Bathurst carols,” Mr Sattler said.
Carols by Candlelight will start with musical entertainment at 6.30pm on Sunday, followed by an official welcome from Mayor Gary Rush.
People can bring blankets, food and glow sticks to help them get into the spirit of the event. Mr Sattler encouraged everyone to come out to enjoy the evening.
We’ve been told [Santa] does favour the Bathurst carols.
- Graham Sattler, Mitchell Conservatorium
“It is probably the major family event of the season, if not the year,” he said.
“It is so accessible and it is such a beautiful park at this time of year and it is family entertainment from go-to-whoa.”
Need to know
- What: Reliance Credit Union Carols by Candlelight.
- Where: Machattie Park.
- When: Carols start at 6.30pm on Sunday but families are invited to get there early and bring a picnic to enjoy.