Create music magic at Carols

Join in: The Ballarat Carols by Candlelight volunteer orchestra led by musical director Sarah Barlow in 2021. Photo: FILE

WITH no restrictions on the number of musicians they can have on stage, Ballarat Carols by Candlelight organisers are inviting local performing artists to volunteer in show’s full-sized orchestra.

Carols committee president Matt Hustwaite said the group is seeking interested, talented, and enthusiastic instrumentalists, who also adore Christmas, to join in the fun.

“We need strings, reeds, woodwinds, percussionists… The whole shebang,” he said.

“Leading from the front with our musos for another year is our musical director Sarah Barlow, and she’ll get some spectacular sounds out of our orchestra at the concert.

“A real highlight of Carols over the years has been the lush full sound the orchestra creates, and we’re looking forward to taking advantage of a full orchestra again to give the audience the ultimate experience.

“We have some lovely sets of orchestrations that will be played, so please reach out if you’re interested.”

The Carols committee is also seeking volunteers to help with all aspects of the festive community event on Sunday, 18 December.

“When it comes to outdoor events like Carols, it’s the more the merrier with volunteers,” Mr Hustwaite said.

“There is plenty to be done if you’re a member of our Carols Crew; everything from helping patrons with tickets, to setting and packing up, rattling fundraising tins or picking up rubbish.”

Funds raised at Ballarat Carols by Candlelight will go towards local welfare and emergency relief work of organisations Uniting Ballarat, Anglicare Ballarat, The Salvation Army, and St Vincent de Paul Society.

“Every year this fundraising is important, but especially this year, as we come off the back of COVID,” Mr Hustwaite said.

“The agencies are telling us that year on year, there is an increase of demand, so all money raised at Carols will help to put food on the table and presents under the tree for Ballarat families in need this Christmas.”

If you’d like to volunteer with the orchestra or Carols Crew, visit Ballaratcarolsbycandlelight.org.au.