Festive celebrations on the Fraser Coast will take a unique twist this year with a free livestreamed community concert being planned in place of the traditional large Carols by Candlelight events.
Fraser Coast Mayor George Seymour said Council had recently been advised that the Hervey Bay and Maryborough Christmas carols had been cancelled due to the challenges associated with running a COVID Safe event.
“It’s important we all comply with COVID-19 restrictions to stay safe and minimise the spread of the virus, but it’s also important that the community has an opportunity to celebrate the festive season,” he said.
“That’s why Council will partner with Fraser Coast Tourism & Events to deliver a Festive Fraser Coast concert on Saturday 19 December that will allow the community to come together in limited numbers in person and larger numbers at home.
“Planning for the event is under way now and is likely to include a combination of live solo or small group acts on stage at the Brolga Theatre with pre-recorded performances from larger groups.
“The program is likely to include both carols and popular festive style music performed by local musicians and choirs.
“There will be a limited number of tickets for sale to attend in person at the Brolga Theatre while unlimited at home tickets will be available to access a free live stream.
“The team at the Brolga Theatre has invested in new HD video streaming technology and have been livestreaming events to those in our community at risk, such as the elderly in assisted living facilities.
“Council is also working with FCTE to livestream the Festive Fraser Coast concert on the big screen at Seafront Oval in Hervey Bay.”
2020 Maryborough Ministers Fraternal and Reach Church Fraser Coast Senior Pastor, Darron Hayhoe, said he had been looking forward to staging his first carols event in conjunction with FCTE.
“We’re disappointed that the 2020 Maryborough Carols won’t proceed, but we believe the decision is in the best interest of the community and the many volunteers that required to make the event a huge success. We are already looking forward to the 2021 Carols in the Park and we aim to make it the best yet,” he said.
Fraser Coast carols events can attract between 3000 and 8000 people each year but, due to COVID-19 restrictions, these numbers would not have been allowed this year.
The annual New Year’s Eve celebrations at the Brolga Theatre on the Riverstage lawn are also being cancelled due to the challenges associated with planning and delivering a COVID Safe event.
Cr Seymour said more details about the Festive Fraser Coast concert would be released in coming weeks.
Article & Photo provided by Fraser Coast Regional Council
