Gisborne carols

Gisborne Carols by Candlelight organisers Rose Rogulic and Louise Van der kraan (Damjan Janevski). 371215_01

Carols by Candlelight is returning to Gisborne on December 15, for a night to celebrate the birth of Jesus.

The event is being presented by The Voice of Gladness and will be held at John Aitken Reserve, Gisborne from 6pm-10pm.

The free community event will include live entertainment with special guest performances from Albert Mataafa and Leanne Wright, children’s activities, and food vans. Attendees can also bring their own food.

Event manager Lousie Van der kraan said this is the third year they have run the event and are expecting about 400 people.

“Last year was very well received and the audience really enjoyed it. [We] had about 200 people last year, [and] think it will keep growing,” Ms Van der kraan said.

“We’ve got food vans [where people can purchase food] and we have activities for the children. It is a non-denominational event and all are welcome.

“It’s absolutely free, we are just Christian lay people and we want to do something nice to the community to bring the true meaning of what we’re celebrating… [which is] the birth of Jesus.”

Ms Van der kraan said the event is a family event and will include great entertainment.

“We’ve got lots of entertainment this year, we have some outstanding singers [and] we’re very excited,” she said.

“[There are] about seven singers this year and we will be showcasing Albert, who is flying in for the event, and then we’ve got local talent, and there will be lots of ensembles.”

Zoe Moffatt