Carols to sing out across Geelong

GREATER Geelong is primed for a festive start to the Christmas season with a host of community Carols events lined up over the coming weeks.

Geelong suburbs such as Geelong West, Lara and North Geelong are leading the charge in bringing festive cheer to the region, following the sudden cancellation of Denis Walter’s Carols by the Bay on December 2.

Among the annual events is the North Geelong Presbyterian Church Christmas Carols, held tomorrow (Saturday, December 16) from 4.30pm in Bell Park.

Church events committee member Esther Sabiote said carols had been held at 12 Tarkin Court since before the pandemic, bringing the community together under the church’s roof.

“We’ll conduct a recounting of the Christmas story to begin the 45-minute service which will be followed by bible readings.

“Our choir group will lead the singing of carols and our minister will deliver a short message on what Christmas means.”

The church will provide free food following the service for everyone in attendance and a bundle of activities will be made available for the kids, such as jumping castles and face painting.

“We’re really hopeful as many people in the northern suburbs can attend, we’ve done box drops around North Geelong, Corio, Bell Park, Geelong West, Hamlyn Heights, a bit of Norlane, and a bit of advertising with the City of Greater Geelong as well to get the word out,” Ms Sabiote said.

“So we hope to see as many faces there on the night as part of our fourth carols to date.”

The event is scheduled to end at 8.30pm.

Geelong West Presbyterian Church is also preparing its annual Christmas community event, with Carols on Pako also returning to Pakington Street on December 22.

“Our carols is growing even larger this year, with about 25 local church members on stage leading the singing again,” Geelong West Presbyterian Church pastor Luke McSeveny said.

“We’re preparing for larger attendance this years, free barbecue beforehand with good coffee, more chairs, audio and video extended throughout the full length of the building.

“It’ll have a very public feel and it’ll be our honour to share in the joy of celebrating the coming of Jesus Christ into the world.”

Carols on Pako will run from 5pm to 6.30pm.

Other coming Carols events across the region include:
Christmas Interactive Kids Carols with Larissa’s Imaginarium Project Popup – December 18 and December 22 at Fairley Lodge Hall
Carols in Lara – December 21 at Lara Sporting Club
Carols by Candlelight – December 24 at Johnstone Park

For full carols details, head to geelongaustralia.com.au