Thousands of residents are expected to turn out to celebrate the 20th anniversary of Yarraville’s community carols this month.
Organiser David Palmer is carrying on a family tradition begun by his father Ron Palmer, a former Senior Victorian of the Year, who has organised the free ‘Yarraville Carols in the Gardens’ with the Footscray-Yarraville City Band since 1994.
This year’s carols will be hosted by Australian stage, television and film actor Kevin Harrington and feature local performers and special guest artists including a mass choir comprising Footscray Sings, Willin Wimmin and The CHOIR.
Other performers include the city band, Belinda Sofra and opera singers including internationally acclaimed soprano Margaret Haggart. Naturally, there will be an appearance by Santa and the evening will wrap up with a fireworks display from 10pm.
The carols are in the Yarraville Gardens from 7-10.30pm on Saturday, December 21.
Kingsville holds its Christmas carols in Beevers Reserve, Wales Street, from 6.30pm this Thursday, featuring opera star Antoinette Halloran, Rebecca Barnard and the Kingsville and Wembley primary schools choirs.
Newport Fiddle and Folk Club will present carols by candlelight at Newport’s Substation on Sunday from 7.30-9pm. Entry is by gold coin donation.
Altona Laverton Council of Churches hosts carols at Altona’s Logan reserve the same day from 8pm. If raining, the event will move to nearby St Mary’s Catholic Church.
Hobsons Bay Churches will hold carols at Trafalgar Avenue Community Centre in Altona Meadows on December 21 from 8pm, with children’s activities from 6pm.
Williamstown’s carols, presented by Hobsons Bay Churches, is at the Rotunda in Commonwealth Reserve on December 22 at 8pm. In the event of inclement weather, carols will move to St Mary’s Catholic Church.
