Tree launch to start Christmas celebrations

A SPECTACULAR night of activities next weekend will signal the start of this year’s Christmas in Geelong program.

The City of Greater Geelong’s Floating Christmas Tree returns on November 11 with a few new surprises.

Families who mark the annual tradition of lighting the tree at the Waterfront will also be treated to the biggest Christmas entertainment line-up yet.

The opening night features Stellar Perry as the headliner, as well as an impressive line-up of supporting acts, including:

• Denis and Zoe Walter
• Kim Cooper
• Piano Bar Geelong’s Thomas Currie
• Special Geelong Schools Big Band, and hosts Mark and Milly from bayFM.

Roving entertainment begins at Steampacket Quay with Christmas characters, music and face painting at 5.30pm, ahead of a two-hour stage show starting at 7pm with a Wadawurrung Welcome to Country and performance opening the show.

The lighting of the city’s Floating Christmas Tree will occur at 9pm and will include low-level fireworks.

Again this year, one lucky child will have the chance to turn on Geelong’s Floating Christmas Tree as well.

For your chance to win (open to children aged 12 and under), enter the city’s Christmas Flick the Switch competition online by heading to geelongaustralia.com.au/events/default.aspx and click on the “free opening night” tile.