Lara Carols to return to Pirra Homestead

CHRISTMAS celebrations will begin earlier than December 25 this year as Lara residents and visitors fill the Pirra Homestead’s grounds this Sunday.

The Combined Churches of Lara, which involves Lifeway Christian Church, St Francis Xavier Catholic Church, Holy Trinity Anglican Church, Lara Uniting Church, and The Upper Room, will host the Lara Carols in partnership with Bendigo Bank – Community Bank Lara District and the Bisinella Family.

Senior Pastor at Lifeway Christian Church Rob Chaney said Christmas was a special event for the community of Lara.

“Everyone has their own traditions around the event of Christmas, yet as combined churches it’s profoundly important that we don’t lose the very core of what Christmas is about, the birth of Jesus Christ,” Mr Chaney said.

“The Lara Carols is an opportunity to gather as a community to celebrate this event at the historic Pirra Homestead, which of course provides an amazing backdrop.”

Organisers say Carols in Lara has a long history of over 20 years.

While the location has changed over the years, the Carols were received by the Bisinella Family prior to the pandemic at Pirra Homestead.

“As many Lara residents already know, Pirra is one of the most picturesque venues in Geelong and has enough space to cater for an expected audience of more than 2,000 people,” Mr Chaney added.

“As organisers we are excited that after not being able to happen for a couple of years due to the pandemic, that we can gather the community together once again.

“While most carols events are fairly similar, in that they centre around the singing of Christmas carols, we have a number of differences that I’m sure will set this carols apart.”

Chaney and fellow organisers said the Lara Carols are centred around the true meaning of Christmas, referring to the story of Christ’s birth involving shepherds, angels, and wise men.

Secondly, the carols this year will include the narration of the Christmas story alongside a live nativity.

“The combined churches of Lara want the Carols event to be accessible by all in the community, regardless of faith background,” Mr Chaney concluded.

“However, they believe that the message of Christ’s birth should be preserved and continue to be celebrated as it has been for over 2000 years.”

The event will be MCd by Light FM’s Lucy Holmes and will include a children’s program, petting zoo, food vans, live music including the Melbourne Contemporary Choir as well as local artists.

The free event at 108 Windermere Road will open its gates at 6:30pm. Visitors are encouraged to bring a picnic blanket, mozzie repellent and singing voices.