By Renee Wood
The Healesville Carols event is returning for the first time to Queens Park since 2019, with local churches and community groups collaborating to produce the event once again.
Liberty Church Community Pastor Laura Hawting said there is a lot of anticipation in the community.
“Everyone just seems really, really excited to be able to celebrate Christmas as a community together in one of the ways that as a local Healesville community we have traditionally celebrated Christmas,” Ms Hawting said.
Performances include the community carols band, local soloists, schools and community groups, the Healesville Community Choir, Badger Creek Primary and Women’s Choir.
Pre-show fun and festivities are being held prior to the stage entertainment with food trucks, craft, a roaming magician, CFA Santa visits plus much more going ahead.
“The whole carols this year has an Australiana theme, which will be a bit of fun and you get to see that very visibly throughout the night.”
Ms Hawting said the carols event has multiple layers of meaning and enjoyment for the community, with everyone enjoying the chance to sing a long and get together with friends and family.
“There’s rich meaning and heritage for the carol songs themselves that people love to sing and they’ve become a part of people’s Christmas traditions over the years.
“The event itself just provides a great opportunity for people to come together, picnic and catch up over the busy Christmas season to celebrate the end of a year and look forward to the coming of a new year.”
Liberty Church is a sponsor along side long time sponsor YV Financial Services, and Four Pillars has come on board this year.
The event is free while families can also choose to purchase items on the night from vendors.
“We are just so grateful for all the support that we that we have, from businesses and community groups alike, whether it’s big or small. It really is a collaboration that makes it possible,” she said.
“A big part of the vision for the carols is that it would be a free event that’s accessible to anyone and everyone is welcome.”
In the lead up, local children can join a colouring-in competition with entries available from HICCI and Freedom Healesville.
Crowd games and competitions will also be held on the night.
The pre-show fun and activities begin from 5.30pm before carols start at 7pm.
The first half of the carols will include kid friendly entertainment if families need to leave early.
If you’d like to support or partner with Healesville Carols in the future, contact Ms Hawting at laura@libertyfamilychurch.net.au
