Pool of talent for Horsham carols

Preparations are in full swing for another Horsham Carols by Candlelight spectacular with organisers again expecting thousands of people to gather at Sawyer Park on December 3.

Event spokesman Simon Dandy said the annual Sunday celebration at Horsham Soundshell would feature a broad variety of entertainers and attractions.

He said this year’s carols would raise money for Christian emergency food centres and volunteers would accept community donations at the event.

“This year, we also welcome special guests The Mik Maks, a children’s entertainment group from Geelong,” he said.

“Other guest performers will all be local people from across the region, from school age right through to seasoned performers.”

Pre-show entertainment will start from 5.30pm and the main program will start at 7.30pm.

Mr Dandy said a major attraction would be a community choir made up of about 30 singers from across the region, which would help the expected big crowd to sing along with the many traditional carols in the program.

“If we sing loud enough, Santa Claus might make an appearance,” he said.

“As always, we have a red-hot band including Aaron Murray, Lisa Thomas, Jono Martin, Phill Thomas and Joel Adams.”

The Sunday carols, on the banks of the Wimmera River, represent an opportunity to showcase regional talent and in some cases have been a launching pad for performers who have gone on to forge careers in the entertainment industry.

The event in the past has attracted crowds of several thousands and rates as one of the biggest annual outdoor performances in the Wimmera.

“There will be plenty of vendors on hand providing the community with a variety of food,” Mr Dandy said.

“And Matthew Batty from Northern Fireworks has again come on board as a sponsor and will provide an awesome fireworks display to finish the event.”

The Weekly Advertiser and radio stations 3WM and MIXX FM sponsor the carols.