Community to sing Christmas cheer at Carols by the Sea

AN abundance of Christmas joy will be in the air tomorrow (December 17) when Surf Coast residents and visitors come together to celebrate the festive season at Torquay Carols by the Sea.

Hosted at Torquay Common from 4pm to 7pm, this year’s event will kick off with family fun activities before the main the carols and concert event.

Event organisers City on the Hill are thrilled that the event is back in Torquay, giving the community a chance to come together after three pandemic interrupted Christmas seasons.

Back from left, Mark and Caroline Jurisic, Josh Belousoff, Ed Robertson, Daniel Abou-zeid, Surf Coast Shire Mayor Liz Pattison, Louis Glazebrook. Front row from left, Esther Glazebrook, Winifred Glazebrook, Audrey Glazebrook and Esther Glazebrook.

“We are super stoked to have the Carols back on, it’s been three years of not having it,” Louis Glazebrook from City on a Hill Surf Coast said.

“It almost didn’t happen again in 2022 and it was a bit of a ‘Hail Mary’ email that was sent out to the churches to try get it up this year.

“We (City on the Hill) have been able to spearhead the organisation of the event this year and hope that the event can facilitate community and provide a real space for people to be together.

“This year our performers will include Local Vocals, The Living Room Sunday School and City on a Hill Surf Coast Church.

“It’s really exciting to be back and we can’t wait to sing, celebrate and remember the first Christmas.”

Carols by the Sea will feature food vendors including Gypsy Burger, Yummy Churros, Co2ade Lemonade, The Lil Dumpling Van, The Greek Stop and much more, while Compassion Australia will share their mission for children to live poverty-free in Australia.

Surf Coast Shire Mayor Liz Pattison said it was “wonderful” to have the carols event back and that it was missed by the community.

“Torquay Carols by the Sea is a family favourite, there’s always a great vibe and it’s sure to get you in the festive spirit,” she said.

“So get your family and friends together, grab a picnic blanket and head to Torquay Common for a really lovely night out.”

For more information, head to www.facebook.com/carolsbythesea/

Other carols across the region include; Anglesea Lions’ Christmas Carols by Candlelight, on Wednesday (21 December) at Anglesea Green next to the Bowls Club from 6.45pm.