Thirty years of garden carols

Hayden Burley, Sanda Fisher, 'Santa', Lindsay Paterson and Brenton Burley are excited for the upcoming carols. (Damjan Janevski) 375570_04

For 30 years the Yarraville City Band has provided the highlight of the festive season with its annual Carols in the Gardens.

Organiser David Palmer said this event has been celebrated and enjoyed by the community every year.

“It is one of the major events of the year, particularly at Christmas,” he said.

“I think this is such a special time when the whole community as diverse as we are, can come together to enjoy the spirit of Christmas.”

More than 7000 people are expected to turn up to the Yarraville Gardens on Saturday, December 16 to enjoy the many talents on display.

“We have a wonderful line up of performers and nationally acclaimed vocalists who will play, including multi-award winning performer Matthew Hetherington,“ he said.

“We also have Margaret Haggart, who has performed every year for the last 30 years, as an internationally respected soprano.“

Other performances include the Yarraville City Band, Western Brass and Hyde Street Youth Band.

“Of course Santa is also going to be there before we finish off the night with a spectacular fireworks display,“ Mr Palmer said.

“It’s just such a good family feel, it is such a wonderful evening which has become multi-generational.

“There are kids who used to come who are now adults and come with their own children, it has become a real community favourite event at Christmas time.”

Mr Palmer has happily taken over organising the once a year spectacular, which originated with his father Ron who started the event 30 years ago.

Jennifer Pittorino