MORE than 1000 people gathered at Riverside Park last Sunday night to join in the spirit of Christmas and attend the annual Carols by Candlelight.
Presented by the Ministers Fellowship of Swan Hill, the annual Christmas tradition was deemed a success for the region.
“It was fantastic, the weather was beautiful and it was one of the biggest crowds we’ve ever had,” Carols by Candlelight committee member Jacqui Price said.
“By about 6.40pm, we had cooked over 1000 sausages and ran out of food so had to go and buy some more.”
Families and friends of all ages gathered on the banks of the Murray to hear an array of festive favourites such as We Wish You A Merry Christmas, Away in a Manger and Silent Night.
“Like always, the event brings all of the community together and gets everyone in the spirit of Christmas,” Ms Price said.
“The crowd’s behaviour was fantastic and we couldn’t have asked for a better evening.”
School groups that performed on the night included Swan Hill Primary School, Lake Boga Primary School, Swan Hill North Primary School, Son Centre Christian College and Swan Hill Specialist School.
“The schools were great, the wind died down and it turned out to be the perfect night,” Ms Price said.
A community choir with members from various churches performed on the night and a live nativity scene was also acted out on stage.
“The emcees, Ian Johansen and Sally Op’t Hoog, read a little bit out of a Christmas book and the crowd was able to follow along,” Ms Price said.
The event was made possible thanks to major sponsor Swan Hill Rotary Club and several volunteers who donated their time and effort.
“We are very grateful to the volunteers who give their time and make it the successful night that it is,” Ms Price.
“A huge thanks to the community for coming along to enjoy the evening.”
