Markets and music for combined event

A JOINT community group effort is giving attendees a one-stop event to do some Christmas shopping and enjoy some seasonal carols.

For the first time this year, the Meredith Christmas Carols event, run by the region’s combined Christian churches with Advance Meredith Association members, will expand with a twilight market.

Taking place next weekend at the Sharing Shed, Advance Meredith Association vice-president Mary Foster said the market’s inclusion is aimed at making the event more accessible.

“Coming out of COVID, we received a grant from the Shire, and we went all out with the event to entice people with lots of free things and activities and it was very successful, the hall was full,” she said.

“Last year we had our carols at the hall again, and the numbers were low so this is a way to get the community more involved.

“Having it outside means people can come and go as they want and the market gives them more to do before the carols.”

About a dozen vendors will feature in the event with food, crafts, and Christmas items on offer.

Carols will take place from about 6pm to 7pm, weather depending, by performers from Bannockburn’s Momentum Church.

Ms Foster said the event is all about bringing the community together for the holiday season.

“It’s trying to remind people what Christmas is all about with the birth of Christ front and foremost, but it’s also about spending time together,” she said.

“Everyone gets really busy with this time of the year so it’s nice to just come and be together. Singing is a very powerful thing and there’s no age or skill limit.”

The Christmas Carols and Twilight Market event will run from 4pm to 8pm on Sunday 17 December.