WARRNAMBOOL’S festive spirit is on show, with the city’s Christmas tree lit up, kick starting a string of holiday-season celebrations.
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A Norfolk Island pine on the Civic Green has once again been transformed with a glistening light display.
Mayor Michael Neoh flicked the switch on Friday evening much to the delight of passers by.
Refreshed street decorations created by local artists with a distinct Australian seaside theme will be hung in the coming days, adding to the festive flavour.
In a partnership between Warrnambool City Council and arts collective F Project, old decorations that have adored light poles around the city have been recycled and transformed into new ornaments.
Manager of city centre renewal Tanya Egan said the decorations would bring colour, vitality and intrigue to the city centre.
“There is much more Australian emphasis on the new decorations and many have a strong marine theme,” she said.
The annual Carols on the Merri will be held on Friday night, with organisers sticking to a tried and tested formula.
Organising committee spokesman David Kelson said more than 1500 people were expected along the banks of the river at Dennington.
The popular event has been running for more than 15 years. Mr Kelson said the food court would open from 5.30pm with carols from 6.30pm until about 9.30pm.
“Most of the carols will be sung by school choirs, with St John’s and St Pius primary schools, Brauer and Emmanuel Colleges and the Special Development School all performing,” he said.
Mr Kelson said there would be an appearance from Santa Claus and an opportunity for children to have a photo with him.
He said the event’s popularity was the family-friendly format and the beautiful location at Dennignton’s Payne Reserve.
“It’s like an amphitheatre, we put the truck down on the bank of the river then everyone can sit on the hill and enjoy it,” he said.
The Dennington Community Association and the Lions Club of Warrnambool jointly organise the event. Entry is by gold coin donation with all proceeds donated to the Leila Rose Foundation.
The combined Warrnambool Churches will host carols by candlelight on the Civic Green on December 18 from 6.30pm.
