It is one of the biggest events on Nelson Bay’s calendar and this year’s Carols at the Bay program is expected to continue the tradition of bringing thousands of people together to celebrate Christmas as a community.
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The annual carols staged in Neil Carroll Park at Fly Point are this year being organised by Baylife Church on behalf of the Combined Churches of the Tomaree Peninsula.
“We see it as a gift to our community,” Baylife Church pastor Greg McKewin said.
“Christmas is a pretty important time for Christians. Yes, we have Santa and sing carols but this time of year is about the birth of Jesus, love and celebrating.
“This event is how we celebrate the themes of Christmas with our community.”
The carols are funded by the Tomaree churches, sponsorship and Port Stephens Council. This year Salamander Bay Square came on board as the event’s major sponsor.
Last year’s carols was described as a “great success” by organisers The Salvation Army, attracting between 3000 and 4000 people throughout the evening.
Pastor McKewin expects similar, if not more, numbers this year with the quality line up of performances on the schedule and wide range of food and market stalls on offer.
The pre-carols program will begin in the park off Shoal Bay Road and Victoria Parade at 5.30pm on Sunday, December 9.
This will include performances from three schools, plus Port dance and talent groups including the SeaSide Singers community choir. This will wrap up about 7pm.
“We have schools and lots of activities for kids early in the program to set the family culture early in the evening,” Pastor McKewin said.
Children will need to keep an eye out for Santa who is expected to arrive in time for the main festivities.
The main carols event will run between 7.30pm and 9pm.
Port Stephens musician and singer Anyerin Drury, who this year appeared on popular television talent show The Voice, will lead the carols this year. He is also scheduled to sing at the Medowie Christmas Carnival on December 7.
“I’m really excited to be headlining these events,” the Fern Bay resident said.
“I sang at the Nelson Bay carols two years ago and it was fantastic. There was a couple of thousand of people and it had a real electric feel.”
Mr Drury said he has put together a diverse set list of songs – from traditional and well known carols that people can sing along with to modern Christmas pop songs.
Carollers can expect to see Mr Drury on stage with Santa, performing piano ballards and a duo with Bonnie Mooney.
“There is a lot of diversity in the set but a lot of traditional carols that everyone will love,” Mr Drury said.
“We’ll finish with Silent Night because, to me, that’s how you finish a carols event.”
The community carols will wrap up at 9pm with a Kaboom fireworks display set off from a barge on the water.
“This is a pretty significant event for the Bay,” Pastor McKewin said.
“It’s a family friendly and safe event. We want people to feel confident that they can bring their families down and enjoy the event without worry.
“We don’t want anything on the night. Just turn up, find a spot and have a great night.”
The carols this year will support drought-affect farmers. Buckets will be circulated for people to make a donation.
Attendees are encouraged to take along a picnic blanket or a chair.
Food and drinks will be available to purchase from stalls set up in the park. Lions will be running the barbecue and Rotary will run a hot dog stall.
There will also be a nativity scene set up for carollers to take pictures with, a jumping castle and community stalls in the park.
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Ellie-Marie Watts
A journalist with 10 years experience, Ellie-Marie connects readers to the stories that matter in their communities. A Port Stephens-based news, sport and event writer and photographer with a passion for human interest features.
A journalist with 10 years experience, Ellie-Marie connects readers to the stories that matter in their communities. A Port Stephens-based news, sport and event writer and photographer with a passion for human interest features.
