O come all ye carollers

LOCALS are invited to get into the Christmas spirit at Mars Stadium this December, as Ballarat Carols by Candlelight returns, presented by Harcourts Ballarat.

Carols’ president Matt Hustwaite said the venue will accommodate up to 10,000 people on Sunday, 19 December, as the committee presents the evening of festive song, and a range of family activities from 3pm, all while raising funds for 3BA’s Christmas Appeal.

“Our fantastic concert will feature Opera Australia performer Jason Wasley and musical theatre star Sarah Landy, with a cast of great local talent around them,” he said.

“We’re going to have a screening of the movie Elf in the afternoon, a MasterChef masterclass with Tim Bone in partnership with Southern Cross-Network Ten, meet-and-greet appearances with Paw Patrol, and a soccer clinic with Western United.”

Ballarat Carols by Candlelight’s committee is also announcing a new partnership, teaming up with SpringFest for 2021.

“We’re going to be welcoming the SpringFest market from 2pm as part of the afternoon lead-up to our concert, with local small businesses participating,” Mr Hustwaite said.

“It’s a fantastic opportunity for us to link up with the Rotary Club of Ballarat who do a wonderful job. SpringFest, like Carols, is a long-time Ballarat tradition, and we’re thrilled to provide an opportunity for stallholders to sell their wares, and for Carols goers to have this festival-like experience.

“It’s great news that we can bring the community together for a wonderful festive celebration after the two years that we’ve had.”

SpringFest director Robert Glass, and the broader Rotary Club of Ballarat, are grateful for the chance to add a touch of the Fest to Carols by Candlelight.

“It’s an excellent opportunity for us and our community partners to raise some more funds,” he said.

Beneficiaries of money raised during SpringFest include the Ballarat Chinese Dragon Boat Club, Bungaree Primary School, Miners Rest Primary School and Kindergarten, Mount Egerton Primary School, and Phoenix P-12 Community College.

Some funds are also directed to Rotary Club of Ballarat projects locally and internationally.

Ballarat Carols by Candlelight is a free community event, however attendees need to register to ensure COVID-safety protocols are met. Adults need to be fully vaccinated.

A range of food trucks will also be available at Mars Stadium. Visit ballaratcarolsbycandlelight.org.au for more information.