Community
13 December, 2024
Carols by Candlelight celebrates 75 years
PERFORMERS at this year’s Carols by Candlelight were greeted with a full house as the event celebrated 75 years of spreading Christmas cheer in the Camperdown community.
The 75th annual Camperdown Carols by Candlelight was held last Sunday night, with around 450 people in attendance joining in with carols from the traditional ‘The First Nowell’ and ‘Silent Night’ to Australian versions including ‘Deck the Shed’ and ‘Aussie Jingle Bells’.
Twelve guest artists, 17 choristers and 30 musicians performed on the stage during this year’s event, which was adorned in festive garlands and new lighting effects.
Carols organiser Toby McKenzie said he was pleased to see the carols audience growing and enjoying the festive cheer.
“The theatre was just about full this year, including many carollers up on the balcony which is great to see,” he said.
“Thank you to everyone who contributed to the event in so many ways - soloists, choristers, musicians, dancers, technicians, front of house crew, backstage crew, sponsors and audience.
“It was great to acknowledge the 75th anniversary of the event, which is a remarkable achievement - particularly when you think about how many people have been involved over the years.
“Four hundred and fifty dollars in cash and four baskets of food have been donated to Corangamite Food Bank thanks to the generous support of the carols audience, which is a great show of kindness and goodwill.”
Camperdown and District Community House coordinator Emily Mercer said she was grateful for the donations to the Corangamite Food Bank.
“The Camperdown and District Community House and our Corangamite Food Bank volunteers are really grateful for the incredible support shown by Toby and the Carols by Candlelight team, and everyone in the community who donated either cash or food to the foodbank on Sunday,” she said.
“If anyone is in need of any support at this time, they can get in touch with us on 5593 1403.”
Camperdown Carols by Candlelight is an annual tradition and is one of the longest running carols events outside Melbourne.
This year was the sixth time that the Camperdown Theatre Company and Lakes and Craters Band have been running the event.
A photo gallery of the night can be viewed at https://www.camperdowntheatrecompany.com.au/past-shows, with a highlights reel posted on the Theatre Company Facebook page.
Feedback on the carols is welcomed at bit.ly/carols-feedback-2024.
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