Lara Carols to return after five years

LARA’S popular Christmas Carols are back for the first time in five years, with the event’s organisers confirming the annual community event will return to Pirra Homestead next month.

Organising committee member Roxanne Addley said the event, coordinated by the Combined Churches of Lara and auspiced by Holy Trinity Anglican Church, has not been held since 2019 due to COVID-19 restrictions, weather challenges and lack of funding last year, but the carols are planned to return on December 14.

“We are excited to be organising the carols again,” Ms Addley said.

“The program is coming together along with the extra activities, food vans, face painting, petting farm, nativity dress ups and photo booth.

“We’ve been really disappointed not to host the carols during the Covid years, and then a massive storm came through in 2022, so we had to cancel as it’s an outdoor family event.

“The carols have been going for over 20 years, so it’s great to be creating this family event for the community again.”

The free event provides a creative forum for local artists to experience a large audience, while providing exposure for future career development.

Ms Addley said this year’s carols will involve a mix of traditional songs with a Christmas video and story teller.

“We also have some local soloists lined up for some of the carols as well as a choir.

“Off-stage, we have food vans, animal petting farm face painting and a nativity photo booth for the children.

“It’s a great opportunity for community building and reminding everyone of the Christmas message of hope, peace and joy.”

This year’s event is also being supported by the local Bendigo Bank and the Lara District Community Enterprise.