Jo Vernon and here daughters Marley, 11, Daisy, 5, and Heidi, 5, were among the 500 or so attendees who gathered on the lawn in Memorial Gardens on Thursday, December 18 for the annual Kyabram Carols by Candlelight.
Photo by
Jemma Jones
Kyabram’s festive calendar kicked off with a bang on Thursday, December 18, as hundreds of locals gathered with their deck chairs for a heart-warming night of carol singing.
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The 2024 Kyabram Carols by Candlelight was a clear success, almost as clear as the blue skies that back-dropped the evening or the bubbles that floated across Memorial Gardens as hundreds gathered on the grass.
As early as 5.30pm, children ran freely between the different entertainment options — from face painting to camel riding — while adults scrambled for the best spot on the lawn.
As the sun set and the park filled, the temperature cooled to a perfect, balmy evening.
From about 7.30pm, the Rushworth & District Concert band shared the spotlight with the Combined Churches House Band as they played background music before the main event started.
The official Carols by Candlelight began with newly elected Campaspe Shire Deputy Mayor Jessica Mitchell welcoming the attendees comfortably camped out across the lawns.
Community Church senior pastor David Lloyd welcomed the Combined Churches choir to sing a set of Christmas classics, including Mary’s Boy Child and O Holy Night.
While the dazzling fireworks later painted the night sky, it was the heart-warming performances of the Kyabram P-12 College primary choir that truly stole the show, the singers’ voices and enthusiasm lighting up the evening with pure Christmas magic.
Journalist Jemma Jones was at Memorial Park to capture the festive moments.
Weilding bubble swords were the Ronnan sisters Aubrey, 3, and Lacey, 2.
Photo by
Jemma Jones
This family got into the Christmas spirit, (back) Jaymee Adamo holding Bobbi Adamo, eight months, Vicky Frampton, (front) Frankie Adamo, 7, and Kennedy Adamo, 5.
Photo by
Jemma Jones
Sharing a cheese board at the carols were (back) Jasmine Fleming and Nathan Maloney with (front) Gina Gu and Chloe Lollback.
Photo by
Jemma Jones
Kyabram P-12 College primary student choir sang a few Christmas carol classics with assistance from choir teacher Sue Meeking and backing from the Rushworth & District Concert Band.
Photo by
Jemma Jones
Enjoying the great weather were Chevelle Everett with Rhylee, 11, and Keisha, 14, and Teresa Norris.
Photo by
Jemma Jones
Grant and Cr Jess Mitchell with daughters Henley, 8, and Maddy, 6 — all wearing silly hats for the silly season.
Photo by
Jemma Jones
(Back) Vonda and Andrew Meloni with (front) Jono Withall holding Henry, 1, Edward, 5, and Steph Withall holding Flynn, 7. They had the right idea, getting takeaway fish and chips before an evening of singing.
Photo by
Jemma Jones
Dancing to the Christmas jams in front of the stage.
Photo by
Jemma Jones
Melissa Mann with Rex Van Der Donk, 4, trying out the camel ride.
Photo by
Jemma Jones
Campaspe Shire Deputy Mayor Jess Mitchell welcomes community members to another year of carols with help from her Christmas elf, Maddy, 6.
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Jemma Jones
Cameron Davey, Reverand Jacob Kelly and Salvos Captain Jacky Targett preparing for a busy evening.
Photo by
Jemma Jones
Riley Jasper, Talitha Morris holding Gabbi Morris, 2 and a half, and Edyn Morris, 9 months, and Everly Morris, with the Younger sisters, Elodie, 4, Everly, 4 and Dulcie, 2.
Photo by
Jemma Jones
Enjoying the great weather were Fiona Stone with Gene and Jimmy Nemeno.
Photo by
Jemma Jones
Kyabram P-12 College students before they headed on stage to entertain the masses.
Photo by
Jemma Jones
Keira and Simon O’Shea holding Lachlan, 8, and Darcy, 6 after finding a shady spot at this year’s carols.
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Jemma Jones
Bobbi Adamo, 10 months, was taking her first steps at the carols.
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Jemma Jones
John Wright, the bubble man for the evening.
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Jemma Jones
Cr Daniel Mackrell swapped his mayoral hat for a barista apron, working his coffee van Lets Do Coffee with wife Aileen Mackrell and son Nathan Mackrell.
Photo by
Jemma Jones
Over 500 community members gathered in Memorial Gardens for an evening of singing.
Photo by
Jemma Jones