Christmas wonderland at gala and markets

JOHNSTONE Park will be transformed into a Christmas wonderland this Saturday, December 10 in support of the Barwon Health Foundation.

The Geelong Connected Communities Gala Christmas Concert and Markets will present free, festive fun for the whole family, with gates opening at 4pm ahead of performances from 6.30pm.

There will be Christmas stalls from local makers offering a range of products for people to browse and buy, helping shoppers to tick off their festive purchases by supporting small business.

A “Kids Zone” will feature sport and craft activities by Kelly Sports, face painting elves by The Party Girl and roaming entertainment by Fresh Creative Entertainment including stilt walkers and jugglers.

There will be an artist doing caricatures, photo opportunities with the 2022 AFL Premiership cup won by the Cats, and a Selfie Santa Station where families can take a happy snap with the of the moment.

Popular children’s entertainers The Mik Maks will host the two-hour concert as well as perform in it, and the lineup also includes some of the region’s best musical talent including Imogen Brough, Stellar Perry, and Kim Cooper.

There will also be a special performance by The Kings of Christmas, Rob Mills and Bobby Fox, which will provide a preview of their new show of the same name at Costa Hall later this month.

The star-studded line up will also include acts such as Karen Feldman’s Dance Studio, With One Voice Choir, Pitch Perfect Singing School, Geelong Concert Band and Geelong Highland Pipe Band.

There will be a surprise on-stage appearance from Santa Claus and Mrs Claus.

The festive community offering is part of the Barwon Health Foundation’s Wish Upon A Star Christmas Appeal, which raises funds to support local sick children

Barwon Health Foundation executive director Zoe Waters said she was looking forward to spreading some festive cheer across Geelong.

“This very special free event will brings smiles to the young, and young at heart, combining a range of different activities and performances that are sure to help local families make happy Christmas memories that will last a lifetime, all while helping other local families in need,” she said.

For more information or to donate to the Wish Upon A Star Christmas Appeal, head to barwonhealthfoundation.org.au