COVID may have snubbed the annual Carols by Candlelight last year, but plans are on track for a much-loved family event to return this year.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
To ensure the festive community favourite proceeds in a COVID-safe manner, the Inter-church council has moved the location to the Gloucester Showground, instead.
According to one of the event organisers Luke Hester the decision to move the event was made early in the planning process.
"The needed to plan to have it at a venue that was COVID-safe. The showground is fully fenced and we will be able to keep track of numbers, if required," Luke explained.
"There have been several community events held here in a COVID-safe way like the combined churches first service of the year and Australia Day."
The program may look a little different this year due to COVID interrupting the ability for choirs to be practicing, with singing being on the restricted list.
"Normally we'd have the school choirs," Luke said. "We've reached out to all of the them, but we aren't sure if they'll be able to perform."
RELATED: Carols by Candlelight
With COVID-rules constantly changing, organsiers have needed to have several plans in place. If the choirs can't perform, then the plan is to have a set group of performers lead everyone through the carols.
Regardless of the difficulty in navigating the COVID situation, the combined churches are happy to see the carols proceed.
"The carols are important as Christmas is the celebration of Jesus bringing light into the world," Luke said.
It's especially important this year given the impact COVID lockdowns and restrictions have had on the community, Luke said.
The carols will take place on Sunday December 19 in the flat outside the main show ring. The evening kicks off at 6pm with a barbecue complete with cold drinks and fairy floss. Attendees are encouraged to bring a picnic rug or chairs in order to get up a comfy spot near the stage. There will be plenty of time to purchase a iconic battery-operated candles and glow sticks before the program begins at 7pm.
"Everyone is invited to come at 6pm to settle on the hill and eat, picnic or just enjoy the fresh air and view," fellow organiser, Sally Martin said. "It will be wonderful to be sharing as a community a celebration in son after a long period of not being able to."
The last Carols by Candlelight event was held in 2019 at the Bert Gallagher Oval.
Anne Keen
Anne has been a journalist with the ACM (Australia Community Media) since 2016. She primarily works at the Gloucester Advocate but also contributes to the Manning River Times.
Anne has been a journalist with the ACM (Australia Community Media) since 2016. She primarily works at the Gloucester Advocate but also contributes to the Manning River Times.
