Beachside Christian Fellowship is coordinating the community Christmas carols this year on behalf of the the combined churches of Port Stephens.

In a bid to include more “local talent” in this year’s carols, which will be held on Sunday, December 11, pastor Bill Brill from the fellowship is on a mission to find the Port’s hidden talent.

“The feedback from last year was that people really want more local talent and more traditional carols,” Mr Brill said.

“This year we want to focus on local talent.

“We already have some fabulous young people from the high schools who will perform and other individuals but we’re trying to flush out some more hidden talent in the Bay.”

Mr Brill is seeking expressions of interest from those who can sing or play a musical instrument, and who want to be part of the community carols this year which he described as “Carols in the Domain but on a smaller scale”. 

He is also after individuals or groups to nominate someone they know would not put themselves forward.

“Sometimes there are really gifted people but they don’t put themselves forward,” Mr Brill said. 

“Sometimes they need to be nominated by someone else.”

Priscilla Blake, head of music at St Philip’s Christian College at Salamander Bay, said she was excited to have students included in the carols this year.

“It’s really good for them to contribute to the community,” she said.

“The music program this year has a focus on students engaging with the wider community and performing where they can at community events.

“It’s great for the students to have something like the carols. Having more opportunities to perform will only help with their confidence.”

Mr Brill is also seeking expressions of interest from Port Stephens residents, groups or organisations that many want to run a stall in Neil Carroll Park at Fly Point on the night of the carols.

To get in touch with Mr Brill, phone 0410 103 098 or email Williambrill@bigpond.com.