Carols in the Domain facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Carols in the Domain |
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The Domain, Sydney, the venue of the Carols
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| Location(s) | The Domain, Sydney, Australia |
| Years active | 1983–present |
Carols in the Domain is a big Christmas concert held every year in Sydney's Domain Gardens. It started in 1983. Many famous Australian and international singers perform there.
The event is shown live on the Seven Network TV channel. You can also listen to it on Smooth FM radio. It's a free event for everyone to enjoy. It used to be held on the last Saturday before Christmas Eve. Since 2016, it has been on the last Sunday before Christmas Eve. Carols in the Domain is now one of Australia's biggest free Christmas celebrations.
How it Started
Carols in the Domain was created in 1983 by Robyn Anne Hobbs. She used to work for Qantas, an airline company. Robyn wanted to start a big Christmas carol event for Sydney. She saw other carol events in Australia and thought Sydney needed one too.
In an interview, she said she started it for herself. Christmas and birthdays were always special for her. But Sydney didn't have a major Christmas celebration. She chose The Salvation Army as the charity partner for the event. The very first Carols event in 1983 had about 15,000 people attend.
Many well-known TV presenters have hosted the event. These include David Koch and Natalie Barr from the Sunrise morning show. Other past hosts include Andrew Daddo, Grant Denyer, Kate Ritchie, and Barry Crocker.
Robyn Anne Hobbs received an Order of Australia Medal in 2009. This award was for starting Carols in the Domain. It also recognized her efforts to raise money for The Salvation Army.
Sponsors and Changes
A main sponsor helps pay for the event. This sponsor often gets their name added to the event title. In 1989, Esso was the main sponsor. In 1996, Pacific Power was the sponsor. When that company split up, the government stepped in to help. They gave over $300,000 to support the event. That year, Carols in the Domain was shown on TV in New Zealand and Southeast Asia for the first time. The Sydney Morning Herald newspaper also became a sponsor.
In 1997, RAMS Home Loans was the main sponsor. In 2004, the event was called "The Good Guys Good Kid Carols in the Domain." Since 2005, Woolworths has been the main sponsor. The event is now known as "Woolworths Carols in the Domain."
In December 2020, the event had to change because of the COVID-19 virus. It was held indoors at the Aware Theatre. There was no live audience. The concert was then shown on TV on Channel 7 a few days later.
Helping Others
Carols in the Domain helps two important charities. These are The Salvation Army and The Salvation Army OASIS Youth Support Network. They raise money by selling candle bags during the concert.
Oasis helps young people aged 16 to 24 who are homeless. They provide emergency places to stay in Sydney. They also offer support and training to help young people get back on their feet.
Performers and Fun
Every Carols in the Domain event includes a visit from Santa Claus. Local orchestras and choirs also perform beautiful music. Many famous singers and groups have performed over the years. These include popular Australian artists like Tina Arena, Jessica Mauboy, and Guy Sebastian. International stars like Josh Groban and Michael Bublé have also joined the fun. The Wiggles, a popular children's music group, are often a big hit with younger audience members.
The event brings together many talented people. They all help create a magical Christmas atmosphere for families.
See also
- Christian music in Australia
