Christmas spirits kept high and dry
Southlanders donned their jackets and umbrellas to be part of the YMCA Carols in the Park event in Invercargill last night.
Some showery weather didn’t deter them from singing along with Southland entertainers in picturesque Queens Park.
YMCA chief executive Vanessa Hughey said trees surrounding the band rotunda provided shelter for the crowd of more than 800 people.
‘‘It’s great to see all ages here rugged up enjoying themselves.’’
The event gave people a break from the hustle and bustle and a chance to sing and relax in beautiful surroundings, she said.
With the inclement weather, the Hunt family arrived early to get under a large tree.
‘‘It’s Christmas and it’s a nice family event,’’ Kaylene Hunt said.
She attended with her husband, Roger Hunt, daughter Ashleigh Hunt, and granddaughter Maddilyn Beaman, 6.
Sharalyn Cumming and two of her work colleagues, Brandy Brown and Lynley Shaw, as well as New Zealand road cycling representative Rylee McMullen also found a large tree for shelter. ‘‘These events are fantastic and it’s good to support them,’’ Cumming said.
The lineup of musicians included Invercargill deputy mayor Toni Biddle, The Ensemble Choir, the Ascot Park Hotel Auxiliary Brass Band and the Don Street Singers.
‘‘This is a good event for the city,’’ Biddle said.
Biddle will also be singing at Massav in the Park at Queens Park on Saturday and the ILT Christmas Variety Show at ILT Stadium Southland on Sunday.