Christmas carols celebrate community

"Santa" arrives at the carols.

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Avondale School hosted its third “Community Christmas Carols” event on December 3, entertaining more than 5000 people to a family-friendly evening of Christmas celebrations.

The event kicked off with a kid’s pre-show at 5pm, with jumping castles, faceprinting, and a variety of food for sale from specialty locals, like Yummy Thai and Punjabeez Indian. Headlining acts included 2013 The Voice Australia winner, Harrison Craig, and renowned Christian artist and former Play School host, Colin Buchanan, with Santa also making a special appearance from a helicopter. Other performing artists included Dan Murphy, Ashrae, Felix Quinn Music, The Promise, and a community band made up of many Avondale School staff and friends that lead out in carols singing, putting the birth of Christ being the “Reason for the Season” as the focus.

“So much work of a lot people behind the scenes made the event a success. It was very much a team effort,” said Avondale School marketing communications manager Colin Chuang. “It’s important to mention that this was only made possible by the generous donations of many sponsors and the time and effort of many, many volunteers.”

Harrison Craig, winner of The Voice Australia 2013, performs at the carols.

The Christmas carols had barely concluded on Sunday night when social media began to light up with thanks and praise from locals.

The night was capped off by a fireworks spectacular, with a soundtrack composed by a former Avondale School teacher.

“There was a great atmosphere, the weather was fantastic, and did you see the moon?” marketing assistant Terrina Mesaric said. “Fireworks at the end of the night topped off a great event.”

“The Community Christmas Carols were well supported,” said Avondale School principal Dr David McClintock. “We were incredibly blessed with the weather when you think of the rain either side of the day. An amazing array of artists. Wonderful sponsorship support from our local community. A chance for our local community to come and enjoy food, fun and celebrate the birth of Jesus and Christmas.”

A spectacular display of fireworks end the evening’s festivities.

Avondale School would like to give thanks to the following sponsors: Grow Up Group, Tubby Signs, Avondale Early Learning Centre, Morisset City and Cooranbong Central Real Estates, Abbot Design, Beyond Sound and Lighting, MobileStagez, J&C Hill Pty Ltd, Accent Software, Bodywise Smash Repairs, SpecSavers Morisset, and Cooranbong Specialist Tyre and Exhaust Centre.

A special thanks also to the RFS in Cooranbong and Dora Creek for their logistical expertise in assisting with the parking, and to RhemaFM for broadcasting the event.

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