Emma Pritchard

The seasonal melodies and familiar tunes of Jingle Bells, Silent Night, and We Wish You a Merry Christmas, will resonate across Market Square on the weekend when Grafton Midday Rotary proudly present their Carols by Candlelight concert.

Featuring the spectacular musical artistry of the Clarence Valley Orchestra and Chorus under the directorship of esteemed conductor Greg Butcher, along with the beautiful vocals of songbird Lisa White and powerful baritone Troy Castle, the highly-anticipated annual event will also include a performance by the Clarence River Dance Academy, and a special guest appearance by Santa Claus.

First held in 2017, the much-loved community concert brings upwards of 2000 Clarence Valley residents together each year, and has previously welcomed renowned Australian performers and entertainers including Monica Trapaga, Rhonda Burchmore OAM, and Dennis Walter OAM, who dazzled and delighted audiences with their glorious voices.

As he prepares to be the events compere for the fifth time, Des Harvey OAM said he is looking forward to welcoming a large crowd to Market Square on Saturday, while sharing plenty of Christmas cheer and community spirit.

“It will be a great night, and it’s an event which brings everyone in our community together,” he said.

“I am sure all the youngsters who come along will also have a great time.

“If people could see what I see each year from the stage, when I look across at all the smiling faces in the crowd and see everyone enjoying themselves, it is a wonderful sight, and one I am looking forward to seeing again this year.”

After watching the increasing success of Carols by Candlelight concerts in Sydney and Melbourne each year, Mr Harvey and Mr Butcher first began developing the concept of hosting a Carols by Candlelight event in Grafton several years ago, describing it as an incredible opportunity to invite world class singers and musicians to the Clarence Valley, and allow residents the pleasure of watching them perform locally.

“Everyone who has been involved in getting the event to where it is today is extremely proud, and so they should be, and we’re all looking forward to the weekend,” Mr Harvey said.

The Grafton Midday Rotary Carols by Candlelight will be held between 6:30-9pm in Grafton’s Market Square on December 3.

Entry is free and attendees are invited to bring their own rugs and chairs.

Raffle tickets will be available for purchase during the concert with the main prize, a $1000 barbeque kindly donated by Harvey Norman Grafton, to be drawn on the night.

Free glowsticks and candles will also be available for children, and food and beverage stalls will be open throughout the evening.

Mr Harvey also wishes to advise the concert will be an alcohol-free zone.