Swan Hill gets into the Christmas spirit

THE long-awaited return of Swan Hill’s full carols event was hailed a huge success by organisers after more than 1500 people gathered at Riverside Park.

Last year a reduced carols event was held.

Organising group member Craig Harvey said Sunday’s turnout was fantastic and the biggest carols crowd he had seen in Swan Hill.

“The public were looking for it to come back,” Mr Harvey said, praising the “great community spirit”.

“There has been a lot of work gone into it, it’s taken a few months to organise.

“The perfect weather has contributed to the great night and roll-up.”

Although the singing didn’t get under way until 7pm, crowds started arriving early in the afternoon to meet family and stake a claim on the perfect spot to enjoy the night.

Local schools, church groups and the ukulele club all took turns in leading the crowd in singing a diverse range of music from tradition carols to a few modern songs and some adapted to Aussie audiences.

“Dashing through the bush in a rusty Holden ute” replaced “dashing through the snow in a one-horse open sleigh”.

In addition to a good range of food trucks, there was a free sausage sizzle, face-painting and a raffle by Lake Boga Sea Scouts.

Santa was a big hit with the kids as a sea of children surged towards the man in red as he handed out sugary treats from his trusty bag.

Fireworks were featured for the first time this year and the crowds were wowed by the spectacle.

The free event was organised by Swan Hill Canoe Club.