Magic returns as Christmas tree lights up

COMMUNITY members turned out in strong numbers on Saturday night as Point Lonsdale celebrated the annual lighting of its much-loved Christmas tree.

After a day of shifting skies, organisers committed early to holding the event outdoors, with conditions clearing in time for the evening program.

At 6pm families began spreading picnic rugs across the school grounds before local primary and kindergarten students performed carols alongside community musicians.

Tree lighting committee member and Point Lonsdale Primary School principal Fay Agterhuis celebrated another successful event.

“We had a great crowd, and it all went smoothly,” she said. “The lights all went on, no hitches.”

 

 

Each year a name is selected at random to choose who will switch on the historic lights. This year, primary school student Edie Wilkinson had the honour.

“Even those it’s still light when we hit the button [to light the tree], by the time darkness falls everything looks magical,” Ms Agterhuis said.

She thanked the community for their continued support for the event, which has a history that spans more than 70 years.

The 130-year-old Norfolk pine tree will be lit nightly until January 26.

 

See the images from the night.