CROWDS came early to Sunday night’s Carols by Candlelight keen to secure the best spot to take in the festive action.
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Thousands of people were expected to attend the 39th annual event in Machattie Park.
People young and old sang to much-loved carols, as well as hearing a few new numbers by the 100 performers involved.
Carols by Candlelight executive producer Graham Sattler said in the lead-up to the event, that he was expecting a bumper crowd of a few thousand people
“We’ve had fantastic support in the lead-up,” he said.
And for the first time the ability to perform was open to a wider range of people than ever before, Mr Sattler said.
“For the first time ever, we sought auditions from the community to perform,” he said. “It’s brought in a crop of lovely new talents.”
Accepted through the community auditions was Peter Denmead who sang O Holy Night.
Mr Denmed usually plays with the Bathurst City and RSL Band, but sang for the first time this year.
His family has a long tradition with the event, and Mr Sattler said his father, Jim Denmead, was “instrumental” in setting up the first Carols by Candlelight in 1978.
Mr Sattler said one of the most anticipated appearences was by a visitor all the way from the North Pole.
“We never know how he’s going to arrive at the event, but all I know is that reindeer are involved,” he said before the event began.
Among the crowds were David and Amanda Patterson and Le-Anne and Richard Johnson who arrived early to get a good spot under the shade of the trees.
“We got here about 4.30pm to get a good spot and spend some family time together,” Mr Patterson said.
Mr Johnson said there were a few essential ingredients to his family’s picnic basket.
“There’s a couple of quiet ones and some cheesecake,” he said.
The Allegri Singers were among the performers and president Megan Jackson said the event was always a highlight for the group’s 30 singers.
“We supported all the community carols and we did a piece ourselves,” she said.