Treasured annual Christmas ritual to unfold tonight

THE lights on the celebrated Christmas Tree installed annually at the Rosalind Park Piazza will be switched on at around 8.45pm this evening, with festivities including roving Christmas characters, face painters, entertainers and carols with singer Ally Gook to commence at 6.30pm.

Greater Bendigo healthy communities and environments director Jess Howard said the yearly lighting of the tree signals the countdown to Christmas and is a key event in the City’s annual Summer in the Parks program.

“The traditional lighting of the tree marks the start of the festive season so it’s an exciting time for the community,” she said.

“The tree lights can be viewed every night and the Bendigo letters have also been given a new Christmas makeover, so the Piazza will look very festive for photo opportunities during the day and at night.

“You can also enjoy twilight shopping with some shops staying open until 7pm in View Street, Bath Lane and Chancery Lane.

“It’s the perfect evening to Love your Local and enjoy the festive atmosphere in the city centre.

“I encourage residents to gather your family and friends and head into the city centre to celebrate this wonderful community event.”

More festive season celebrations will be happening in December with a bunch of Christmas Carols gatherings taking place.

These include Garden for the Future on Saturday 6 December, Heathcote on Sunday 7 December, Maiden Gully also Sunday 7 December, Axedale, Marong and Eaglehawk on Sunday 14 December and the Rotary Club of Bendigo Carols by Candlelight on Sunday 21 December in Rosalind Park.

To keep updated on the program of events, visit the Summer in the Parks website.