Entertainment
24 November, 2024
Carols, markets and gingerbread houses
THE sounds of Christmas will be flowing at the annual Atherton Carols by Candlelight to be staged early next month.
The popular event also features the Christmas Night Markets and the inaugural Gingerbread House Competition at Merriland Hall on Saturday 7 December.
The band “Sound Play” and other local artists will lead the chorus to bring the annual Carols by Candlelight to the stage. Battery powered candles will be for sale at the event.
Attendees are welcome to bring a blanket and cushions so they are comfortable sitting on the historic wooden floor while enjoying the Carols. Some other seating will be available.
The event will commence at 5.30pm with the undercover Christmas Night Markets. The Carols program starts at 6.30pm.
This year’s special addition to the Carols by Candlelight evening will be the inaugural gingerbread house competition with entries from various community organisations, businesses and individuals.
Those wishing to enter the competition can fill in an application and purchase their gingerbread kit at the Atherton Show Society office. Donations can be made at the participating businesses or organisations prior to the Atherton Carols by Candlelight.
Donations are also able to be made on the night. Voting tokens will be available for sale on the night for the individual entries.
People’s Choice Awards will be determined on the night and proceeds will go towards running the 2025 Carols.
Food and drink vendors will be onsite in the courtyard area. Delicious desserts and drinks, served by the Atherton Tableland Agricultural Society (ATAS) crew, will be available in the cafeteria where the Gingerbread House competition will be on display. The event closes at the family friendly hour of 9:00pm.
ATAS welcomes donations of Christmas decorations from the community and is also encouraging volunteers to come along and help decorate the hall before the event.
Attendees will have the opportunity to do their Christmas shopping at this event and to support the local stallholders who will have a wide array of handmade and bespoke Christmas gifts for sale at the Night Markets.
ATAS event manager Rebecca Scott is excited about the event.
“This all-ages community gathering provides an opportunity for families and friends to lift their spirits through song and create lasting memories while enjoying the festive atmosphere created by our decor and lighting team in the beautiful Merriland Hall,” she said.
The free family and community event is hosted by the Atherton Tableland Agricultural Society Inc, with sponsorship from the Tablelands Regional Council, Wendy and Joe Paronella and Disability Matters.
