Local stars to sparkle at Carols

THIS Sunday’s Ballarat Carols by Candlelight is set to sparkle and delight, with a cast of local vocalists and instrumentalists on the bill to bring all your favourite festive tunes to life.

Presented by Harcourts Ballarat, the evening of entertainment will feature music theatre talent Brent Trotter, who is returning to Carols for the first time since 2019.

“We’re thrilled to have him back performing for us in his hometown,” Carols president Matt Hustwaite said.

“He cut his teeth in theatre here and has since gone on to work professionally in shows including Jersey Boys.

“Jodie Toering is another astonishing Ballarat performer, who’s been in local shows including Miss Saigon, The Boy from Oz, and Mary Poppins, and she’s really going to wow the audience during her numbers.

“Outside of the local theatre community, people may not yet know Jodie, but they certainly will after Carols, because she’s phenomenal.”

Performers from the Ballarat Centre for Music and the Arts’ recent production of Little Women are set to sing, and by popular demand, The Drum Line will return for a second year with a memorable rendition of The Little Drummer Boy.

Members of Ballarat Grammar Pipe Band will also bring a highland flavour to the night, and head of the ensemble Amber Ives said the student musicians under her direction are looking forward to being involved in a community event.

“It will be very different to our usual competition performances,” she said.

“We’re going to be playing Deck the Halls, and a couple of traditional numbers, like Amazing Grace.

“These songs are definitely not regulars on a bagpiper’s repertoire, so it’s fun for the kids to play something different, and to play some more recognisable pop tunes, alongside the Carols orchestra.”

Jason Wasley and Sarah Landy will headline the evening for a second year, before the Network 10 fireworks finale.

“We’re closing Carols with a bang, and Matt Batty from Northern Fireworks has a great show planned for us,” Mr Hustwaite said.

Carols is a free event, but donations given throughout the evening are set to benefit Uniting Ballarat, St Vincent de Paul Society, Anglicare, and the Salvation Army, who expect to support 5000 families in need this Christmas.

Gates to the concert area will open at 4pm, following the on-site SpringFest Christmas Market, which gets underway at 2pm.

Register to attend at ballaratcarolsbycandlelight.org.au.