Carols by Candlelight concerts in Horsham and Edenhope on Sunday will kick off a series of musical Christmas celebrations across the Wimmera, Grampians and southern Mallee.

The Horsham carols event has joined forces with the city’s Kannamaroo Festival and is expected to draw a large crowd to Sawyer Park.

Internationally renowned singer Silvie Paladino, a regular performer at Melbourne’s nationally televised Carols by Candlelight on Christmas Eve, will be a drawcard for Horsham crowds.

Ms Paladino will perform alongside a group of Wimmera musicians and sing about 10 songs.

The carols will start at 5.30pm and continue to 10pm, with Horsham Town Hall a backup venue in the case of poor weather. Food and drink stalls will be available at Sawyer Park.

Ms Paladino said she was excited to return to the Wimmera after performing a show at Horsham Church of Christ last year.

She said the Horsham show would be her first performance of the Christmas season.

“I am looking forward to spending time in country Victoria,” she said.

“It’s great to get out to the regional places that don’t have as many big entertainers coming though.

“Performing in regional areas like Horsham, I’ve found the people are a bit warmer and a bit more open.

“I think Christmas time brings out the best in people anyway and I’m very much looking forward to coming out there.”

Ms Paladino said it was always fun working with new musicians.

“It’s great to get an opportunity to perform alongside local musicians, especially when they’re up and coming younger people,” she said.

“It’s great to be able to impart your knowledge and your understanding of the industry. 

“I hope I’m a good example when people meet me and they see we’re all the same, we just have different gifts we’re able to use.”

Ms Paladino said people should expect a ‘great night’ and bring along a picnic rug and food to share.

She said the Christmas spirit at carols events often proved infectious.

“People normally hate audience interaction – whenever I do that at a concert people look straight ahead and pray I’m not going to pick them to do any singing – but somehow at Christmas time people don’t mind singing Christmas carols and really getting into the spirit of it,” she said.

Edenhope carols, presented by the Lions Club and churches of Edenhope, will start at 6pm at Henley Park, with several Edenhope district performers taking part. 

Other events will include a Stawell Christmas parade and carols on December 13 from 7pm at the town hall, Nhill carols from 6.30pm at Jaypex Park on December 14 and Ararat carols at Alexandra Gardens from 6pm on December 14.

– Colin MacGillivray

The entire November 27, 2019 edition of The Weekly Advertiser is available online. READ IT HERE!

The entire November 27,, 2019 edition of AgLife is available online. READ IT HERE!