Carols by Candlelight shapes as a bumper show

JOHNSTONE Park is again expected to be inundated with thousands of locals on Monday, December 23 for the 61st year of Carols by Candlelight Geelong.

This year’s carolling event will feature some of the best home-grown talent Geelong and the wider region has to offer as residents prepare to listen to all of the Christmas classics.

Carols by Candlelight Geelong artistic director Gayle Burrill said this year’s carols will have a similar format to last year’s event, hosting the night on December 23 rather than the December 24 timeslot.

“We did a survey earlier in the year and it was overwhelming how many people really enjoyed last year’s change from the traditional date,” Ms Burrill said.

“We saw that in last year’s turnout with loose attendance figures somewhere between 5000 to 7000 people, it was absolutely astounding.

“It worked on so many levels – it was a better time for viewers, volunteers and for the artists as well.

“We’re definitely excited for this year’s carols; we’re hoping for another massive turnout similar to last year and we think the artists performing reflect that.”

Among the headline acts are Geelong singer/songwriter Taylor Henderson, Chelsea Gibb, Karen Feldman’s Dance Studio, Alannah Farra and children’s favourite The Mik Maks.

Mr Henderson will also have the joy of performing alongside his father Cam for the first time at Carols by Candlelight Geelong, an event Taylor grew up watching with his father.

“I get to be up there with my old man on stage, that’s what’s really great,” Mr Henderson said.

“I remember being just a little tacker and seeing this event as a kid in the audience, and now I get to perform in front of all those people and look to my side and see my dad as well.

“I get to look at him and say ‘how good is this?’, play to our home town and sing some songs.

“I’m so excited and it will be one of my favourite gigs the entire year.”

On the list of local artists is up-and-coming singer Milla Best, who at 14 years of age will make her Carols by Candlelight debut.

Ms Best, a Sacred Heart Geelong student, says it will be a surreal feeling to perform at this year’s Carols by Candlelight.

“I’ve been watching the carols since I was born and every time it feels so homely and exciting for me,” she said.

“This time will be so special for me though, getting to perform for my friends and family. It’s really exciting.”

The official show will begin at 7.30pm, with pre-show activities at 6.45pm. The event remains free to the community, as it has been since the first instalment in 1963.