Margaret River Carols by Candlelight tonight

Christmas season officially starts tonight with the launch of the 17th annual Margaret River Carols by Candlelight.

Co-ordinated by Surfside Church with the support of local businesses, community groups and the Shire of Augusta-Margaret River, the carols set up again at the Margaret River Senior High School oval after outgrowing their old Reuther Park digs several years back.

Musical director Kathryn Seisun said this year’s carols would feature the return of community favourites as well as new talent to usher in Christmas 2023.

“This is our 17th year and we are so excited for this incredible showcase of local music and talent as we celebrate this special time of the year,” she said.

The Margaret River Concert Band and the Carols Band and Choir would be joined by juniors from Margaret River, Rapids Landing, Montessori and Margaret River Independent School choirs as well as choristers from the home school community, the high school’s River Lights Choir, Tutu Dance Company and a range of special performances.

Carols Band leader Damian Bailey said young singers and musicians had honed their performances for weeks in the lead-up to tonight’s big night.

“I love seeing the community come together to celebrate Christmas,” Mr Bailey said.

“It is a season of peace and goodwill to each other – a season for forgiveness and fresh starts.”

Singing teacher Andrea Frances Manners was also performing alongside other local adult talents.

“Gathering our students alongside local musicians to lead the broader community in carolling our little hearts out has so many special benefits,” she said.

“Communal singing creates intergenerational bonding, positive community identity and a sense of belonging.

“Christmas carols were written to be sung with others to lift spirits and to sing out the core Christmas truths of love, hope and joy.”

Residents were encouraged to dust off their pipes and come along in good cheer.

Refreshments, candles and songbooks would be available and carols start at 7pm.