“Perfect” weather, location and variety of acts combined to make this year’s Carols by the Bay a “great success”.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Salvation Army envoy Howard Koutnik said Sunday’s community carols event at Fly Point was “excellent”.
The Salvation Army organised this year’s Nelson Bay carols on behalf of the Combined Churches of the Tomaree Peninsula.
“It was a great success,” envoy Koutnik said.
“We had perfect weather, the perfect spot and a good variety of performers. It was an excellent night.”
Neil Carroll Park at Fly Point, where the carols are held annually, was filled to capacity.
While envoy Koutnik was not sure on how many people turned out to the park for the carols, which ran from 5.30pm to 9pm, he estimated it could have been anywhere between 3000 or 4000. Salvation Army envoy Sandra Koutnik believed it was a lot more than 4000.
The Salvation Army Band and SeaSide Singers were among the performers who took to the stage on Sunday.
Carols by the Bay was emceed by Matt O’Donoghou and Chris Klum.
The audience was also treated to performances from Shoal Bay Public School, St Michael’s Primary, Tomaree Ukestra, Robyn Yvette Dance Group and Studio Performing Arts Academy.
Nelson Bay Rock ‘n’ Roll Club founders Keith and Diana Barnard also showed off their moves.
Salamander Bay Rotary Club had the barbecue firing throughout the evening.
Following performances Santa made his arrival and sang some carols on stage before the finale – the fireworks.
Marine Rescue Port Stephens towed a barge loaded with fireworks out into the Bay near Fly Point. Volunteers then maintained a safety exclusion zone around the barge.
In a Facebook post, the Marine Rescue unit said it was “privileged to help support” Carols by the Bay.
“It was nice out on the water listening to the carols drift across the water plus some fun ukulele music and of course lots of singing,” the post read.
Envoy Koutnik said the event could not have been possible without its sponsors: Salamander Bay Square, Salamander Bay Recycling, Moonshadow Cruises and Port Stephens Council.