It just seems to be getting bigger and bigger every year – and it probably is as word catches on – the massive annual Hanna Park Carols at North Richmond.
This year it’s on December 23, from 4.30-9.30pm, when excitement is reaching fever pitch for little Hawkesbury residents as it’s only two days to Christmas.
With carols by Hawkesbury Valley Baptist Church, great prizes, Santa’s spectacular arrival, candles and glowsticks, an amazing live nativity scene, rides, jumping castles, coloured hairspray, rockclimbing and songbooks, it is a huge night for families.
Best of all, it’s all free, taking pressure off family finances at what is for many the most stretched time of the year.
A non-stop line up of great local entertainment will grace the stage throughout the evening and there will be a great selection of food with a sausage sizzle, cakes and slices, tea and coffee, drinks, popcorn, fairy floss, ice blocks and lollies.
Windsor singer Rhiannon Cooke is one of the highlights, and this year will be her 10th singing at the carols.
“This event has become a special tradition for me and my family,” Rhiannon told the Gazette.
“Music is a very important part of my life and being able to share music at Christmas time with all of families from the local area that attend the carols is a beautiful thing to be a part of.
“I was only 13 years old when I performed at the North Richmond Carols for the first time.
“This event has assisted me in gaining confidence to perform infront of large crowds, as well as develop my vocal ability.I know this years carols are going to be the best yet.
While the event is entirely free, donation boxes will be passed around to benefit Grose Wold Rural Fire Brigade, and Compassion, an overseas Christian charity.
Carols will kick off at 7pm, Santa will arrive by helicopter as is the tradition, at 7.30pm, and fireworks will cap off the night at 9.10pm.
There is plenty of parking onsite, entry via Beaumont Avenue.
To see sponsors and and other churches involved, go to hannaparkcarols.org.