Christmas time in Port Stephens: Carols at the Bay returns to Fly Point on December 12

Hope Unlimited Church has volunteered to host the popular Christmas carols event at Fly Point, which Anna Bay pastor Chris Klum said is no small feat to do during a pandemic.

"There are a lot more moving parts when you're organising a major community event during a pandemic but we really wanted to see the carols go ahead this year, which is why we put our hand up to host it," Mr Klum said.

"Our church is all about providing hope and now more than ever the community needs hope and happiness. Hosting this event is one of the ways we can provide that."

Carols at the Bay is a Combined Churches of the Tomaree Peninsula event.

Each year a Bay-based church volunteers to organise the event which attracts up to 3000 people.

Last year, due to uncertainty around the COVID-19 pandemic, the carols were not held.

But with the Port's double vaccination rate surging past the 90 per cent mark and the state government consistently relaxing restrictions through the roadmap to reopening, Mr Klum said there was more certainty that the event could be held almost as "normal" this year.

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"Barring a lockdown, we'll be going ahead with it," he said.

Carols at the Bay will return to Neil Carroll Park in Nelson Bay on Sunday, December 12.

Community performances will begin at 5.30pm before the main performance at 7.30pm, a visit by Santa about 8pm and fireworks at 9pm.

Robyn Yvette Dance, Zone Active and Shoal Bay School will provide dance performances. There will be solo and ensemble performances from St Phillips Christian College, Anna Bay Public School and Tomaree High School.

The main performance will be shared between performers from The Studio Music Academy at Taylors Beach and Hope UC led by Central Coast-based senior pastor and singer-songwriter Darlene Zschech.

There will be a nativity stall provided by the Rock Church from Salamander Bay where event attendees can snap photos.

Event attendees are encouraged to take chairs, rugs and picnics but the park is an alcohol-free zone.

Kevin Durant, Hope UC's Carols at the Bay coordinator, said that currently, attendees will be required to scan the event QR code upon arrival and will be encouraged to social distance and use hand sanitiser.

"A COVID safety plan has been completed which details the required mitigations and controls that will be applied in order to comply with the NSW Government guidelines for large outdoor gatherings," he said.

"The COVID safety plan will be updated as applicable to meet the requirements on the day of the event.

"Attendees are required to scan the event QR code upon arrival, maintain 1.5m social distancing between groups wherever possible - the grass will be marked accordingly.

"Hand sanitiser will be provided but [we] ask all to maintain personal hygiene throughout the event for the comfort and protection of all."

Nelson Bay Marlins AFC will be providing a barbecue and there will be other food and beverage vans on site.

Victoria Parade will be closed to traffic on December 12 between 4.30pm and 9.30pm.

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