Carols by Candlelight facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Carols by Candlelight
Delta Goodrem appears during the 2006 Carols by Candlelight rehearsal
Genre	Christmas
Dates	Christmas Eve
Location(s)	Sidney Myer Music Bowl, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
Years active	1938–present
Founded by	Norman Banks

Carols by Candlelight is a much-loved annual Christmas tradition in Australia. It started in Melbourne in 1938 and has since become popular in many other places around the world. This special event brings people together, usually outdoors in a park, to sing classic carols. Imagine a big crowd, all holding candles, enjoying live music from famous singers and a full orchestra! It's a magical way to celebrate Christmas Eve.

What is Carols by Candlelight?

Vision Australia's Carols by Candlelight is the original and oldest Carols by Candlelight event in Australia. It's a huge concert held every Christmas Eve in Melbourne.

How it Started: A Bright Idea

The idea for Carols by Candlelight came from a radio announcer named Norman Banks in 1937. He was walking home on Christmas Eve and saw an elderly woman singing along to Christmas music on her radio, with only a candle lighting her face. This made him wonder how many other people might be spending Christmas alone.

Norman had a brilliant idea: what if everyone could gather together to sing carols by candlelight? The very first event took place the next Christmas in 1938, in Alexandra Gardens. About 10,000 people showed up, making it a huge success!

The Home of Carols: Sidney Myer Music Bowl

After World War II, the event became so popular that it moved to a bigger park called Kings Domain. Then, in 1959, the amazing Sidney Myer Music Bowl was built. This became the permanent home for Carols by Candlelight, and it's still held there today.

Helping Others: A Special Cause

From the beginning, Carols by Candlelight has been about more than just singing. It also raises money for important causes. Today, all the money from donations, tickets, and candle sales goes to Vision Australia. This charity helps people who are blind or have low vision.

In recent years, a dress rehearsal on December 23rd has also become open to the public. Tickets for this are cheaper, and the money still goes to Vision Australia. It's almost as popular as the main event!

In 2020, due to health concerns, the event was held without a live audience for the first time ever. But in 2021, crowds were able to return, with safety measures in place.

Who Hosts and Broadcasts the Show?

The first Carols by Candlelight events were hosted by founder Norman Banks and broadcast live on radio. In 1956, it was first shown on television, making it even more accessible to people across Australia.

Over the years, many famous hosts have presented the show, including Ray Martin, who hosted for 18 years! Today, the event is broadcast live across Australia on the Nine Network. It's also shown in parts of Asia, the Pacific Islands, and New Zealand.

Who Performs at Carols?

Each year, a mix of popular Australian singers and performers take the stage. Some regular faces include David Hobson, Marina Prior, Silvie Paladino, and Denis Walter. You might also see stars from TV shows like The Voice Australia.

The Vision Australia's Carols by Candlelight Choir, Australian Girls Choir, and National Boys Choir of Australia also perform every year. They add a beautiful touch to many of the songs. The musical director, who leads the orchestra, has been John Foreman since 2003.

In the past, the Carols had more classical music and a strong religious feel. But since the 1960s, it has become more modern and features popular songs that everyone can enjoy.

Carols Events Across Australia

While Melbourne's Carols by Candlelight is the original, many other cities and towns across Australia also hold their own special carols events in the lead-up to Christmas.

Sydney's Carols in the Domain

In Sydney, Carols in the Domain is a very popular event. It has been held every year since 1983 and is also shown on television.

Brisbane's Carols in the City

Brisbane hosts Carols in the City at Riverstage in the Brisbane Botanic Gardens. This event is broadcast on television throughout Queensland.

Perth's Christmas Celebrations

In Perth, Carols by Candlelight events are held in mid-December at places like the Supreme Court Gardens. Other events take place in areas like Fremantle and Scarborough.

Adelaide's Elder Park Carols

Adelaide's Carols by Candlelight is held in Elder Park by the River Torrens in the weeks before Christmas. Thousands of people gather to enjoy the music. Another large event, the Civic Park Carols in Modbury, attracts over 40,000 people!

Hobart's Festive Gatherings

Hobart has three main carols services due to its city layout. The main ceremony is held in the Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens.

Canberra's Community Carols

In Canberra, the annual Carols by Candlelight takes place in Commonwealth Park on Stage 88. This is one of the longest-running carols events in a capital city. It features community singing and local guest artists, raising money for charity.

Carols Around Victoria

Many towns and suburbs in Victoria host their own carols events:

• Carols in the Park in North Balwyn attracts thousands of people.
• Carols at Como Park is held in South Yarra.
• Denis Walter's Carols by the Bay is a free event held in Geelong at Eastern Beach.
• The City of Monash organises a large event in Jells Park, which has been running for over 25 years.
• Other popular events are held in Abbotsford Convent gardens, Ruffey Lake Park in City of Manningham, and at the historic Werribee Mansion in the City of Wyndham.

Other Australian Carols Events

• In Newcastle, New South Wales, Carols by Candlelight are held in King Edward Park near the beach.
• In the City of Lake Macquarie, carols are held at Speers Point Park by Lake Macquarie.

See also

• Christian music in Australia