Carols season returns across the Bellarine

CHRISTMAS carols will ring out across the Bellarine this month, marking the return of one of the region’s most cherished seasonal traditions.

This year’s festivities will begin in Curlewis on December 12 when the Drysdale Community Church hosts Carols on the Bellarine at its home in Jetty Road.

The free family-friendly gathering will offer traditional carols from 7.30pm, with candles available to purchase on the night.

The following afternoon, on December 13, the Bellarine Big Band will fill Portarlington’s Parks Hall between 2-4pm for its Community Christmas Carols event.

Enjoy Christmas favourites and a visit from Santa. Carol sing-along sheets will be available for a gold coin donation, which will raise funds for local food relief service Food Assist 3223.

Crowds of up to 3,000 people are then expected to gather on December 14 at Ocean Grove Park from 7pm for the popular Carols in the Park concert.

The event has been running for more than 30 years and is the Bellarine’s largest Christmas community gathering. It will this year feature a full orchestra and choir, guest performers and a visit from Santa.

Entry is by gold coin, which will be donated to Feed Me Bellarine. Unwrapped gifts can also be placed under the big Christmas tree on the night. These will be donated to Queenscliff-based children’s charity Cottage by the Sea and the young people it supports.

Portarlington will once again close out the region’s community carols calendar, with W.G. Little Reserve set to light up on December 19.

Families are encouraged to bring chairs, picnics and their best singing voices, with the 40-member Geelong Community Band locked in to accompany the night’s performances.

The Portarlington Community Carols will run from 7.30pm until 9.30pm. The Lions Club will host a sausage sizzle on the night from 7pm.

Event organiser and MC Julie Rock said the free event was timed each year to coincide with the end of the school term and offers locals the perfect opportunity to embrace the season.

“There’ll be lots of food, we’ve got the coffee van, we’ve got an ice cream van and all the local shops in the main street will be open as well, as per usual. So, you can even sit in the pub and watch us if you want,” she joked.

“We have just such a fantastic backdrop in Portarlington … it’s just a fantastic location to come and chill and enjoy celebrating Christmas.”

96three breakfast radio host Leroy Brown will join the festivities this year as co-host, and the crowd favourite live nativity scene will also make its return.

“Our live nativity scene is what really sets us apart,” Ms Rock said. “Having the kids involved, I think parents really love that, but the kids look forward to it every year.”

For more information and updates on the event’s programming, head to Portarlington Community Carols on Facebook.