Tree lighting to ignite festive season

POINT Lonsdale will celebrate the beginning of the festive season this weekend, with the annual lighting of the township’s much-loved Christmas tree.

This year’s event will take place tomorrow (Saturday, December 6) at the Point Lonsdale Primary School Hall from 7pm and feature performances from local musicians and three school choirs.

Santa will also make an appearance, before the lights are switched on at 8.30pm in front of an expected crowd of more than 1,000 people.

The tradition of lighting the borough’s 130-year-old, 45m tall heritage-listed Norfolk pine spans more than 70 years, with a dedicated committee of volunteers taking up the challenge each year.

Point Lonsdale Primary School principal, Fay Agterhuis, has been a member of the tree lighting committee for about 25 years.

She believes the event’s enduring appeal could be attributed to its community focus and relaxed atmosphere.

“Community is important,” Ms Agterhuis said. “We see a lot of families will come out to catch up with their extended family or even past residents will come back because it’s a good time to reconnect.

“It doesn’t cost much, you can bring your picnic along, and have a bit of fun.”

While the organising committee are hoping for good weather this weekend, the much-loved tree lighting event will go ahead in rain, hail or shine.

“It’s gearing up to be a really good night,” Ms Agterhuis said.

“We’ve got that flexibility that if the weather does turn lousy, we’ll make the decision earlier in the day to flip it inside.

“We never cancel … it just depends whether we’re at the indoor stage or outdoor stage.”

The event is sponsored by the Borough of Queenscliffe, the Lions Club and Point Lonsdale Primary School.

A small number of local food vendors will be on site during the lighting, along with a sausage sizzle hosted by the Queenscliff Fire Brigade.

Road closures will be in place between 4.30pm and 9.30pm to support the event and allow safe access for attendees.