Time for a celebration

Council provides a COVID-SAFE Christmas

IT’S the most magical time of the year, and Townsville City Council has come up with innovative new ways for people to celebrate, despite the global pandemic.

The plan for Christmas has been designed to create a safer and more immersive experience that families can enjoy in their own time across five weeks in the lead-up to Christmas.

NORTHERN LIGHTS

A new innovation, the Northern Lights Trail will include multi-layered lighting, video and sound activations as well as an app for the kids to see 3D Christmas animations.

The Northern Lights Trail begins in Flinders Street and takes individuals on a walking tour of the CBD, showcasing magical light displays and features an augmented reality adventure.

Mayor Jenny Hill said the trail was all about creating a safe and positive experience for as many people as possible to enjoy at the end of a tough year. “The Northern Lights Trail is not only an innovative reimagining of Christmas in the city but also a great free activity for locals and visitors to take part in,” she said.

“In addition to this and to really enhance the community aspect, we are bringing back the old-fashioned Christmas window displays and our beautiful Christmas flags.

“I’m thrilled that we’re able to offer such a high calibre, holistic and interactive Christmas event that takes inspiration from things like Vivid and White Night and we encourage everyone to make the trip to the CBD to experience it for themselves.”

SKYPE WITH SANTA

Those seeking their traditional Christmas photo with Santa will be able to do so for free as well, with council holding virtual “Skype with Santa” events.

For three consecutive Sundays families will be able to meet Santa at Flinders Street via Skype, chat about what presents they want under the tree, and have their photo with Santa snapped in the North Pole.

Photos of families will be taken against a blue screen to photoshop Santa into a scene in his home.

Community and Cultural Development Committee chairwoman Ann-maree Greaney said Skype with Santa was a creative way for council to ensure the community was still able to experience the excitement of Christmas pictures.

“Christmas is all about being together, but coronavirus changed the way we had to think about Christmas events and traditions,” she said.

“Book in your photo time via the council website, and then come to chat with Santa via Skype at Flinders Square before having your photo snapped.”