Lights shine through rain at Point Lonsdale

THE Point Lonsdale Christmas Tree and Community Celebration of Christmas attracted a great turnout at the weekend.

All ages were represented in the wealth of entertainers, helpers and attendees.

It was a case of flipping the event from outdoor stage to indoor stage and encouraging families to still bring their chairs and picnic rugs, settle in, and start the festive season with family and friends.

The tree lighting is a community event auspiced by the Rotary Club of Queenscliff with support from the Borough of Queensclife and local service and community groups, including the Lions, Coast Guard, CFA and local schools.

Younger members of the community, coordinated by Hannah Petrie-Allbutt and Sam Nicholson, provided entertainment.

Both Hannah and Sam are accomplished musicians in their own right and willingly shared their skills in encouraging the young performers.

A highlight this year was the number of primary school aged children from borough schools who made up the choir, as soloists or part of the singing group.

Organisers hope even more will join next year making it a true community performance.

MC Liam Petrie-Allbutt kept the program running smoothly, ensuring everyone had a great night and sales of glow candles kept moving to add some sparkle to the night.

This year, members of the Queenscliff Indigenous Plant Nursery had the honour of lighting the tree.

Neil Werner had the button and pushed it remotely and all were happy to venture out into the drizzling rain to see the tree lit in all its glory.