Cobblestones to echo with Christmas carols

CAROLLING: Back row, Jorja Holden, 9 (left), Vianne Downs, 8, and Briana Busch, 8. Front row, Oscar Wisler, 9 (left), Graham Croton, Charlie Matthews, 8, Father Christmas Colin Palmer and Millie Matthews, 9, get into the Christmas spirit. PHOTO/LYNDA FERINGA

The grounds of the historic Cobblestones museum will be filled with the sound of Christmas carols on Saturday.

Christmas cheer kicks off in Greytown with the annual family-friendly event which has been running for well over a decade.

People can expect a great evening of carol singing, says Graham Croton, chairman of Friends of Cobblestones, which organises the event.

The evening programme of carols and music starts at 6pm but the gates open earlier for people to get settled in.

"The gates will be opening at 5pm for families to bring their picnics," said Mr Croton.

The Greytown School kapa haka group will be performing and the Masterton District Brass band will kick off the Christmas carols.

Father Christmas will also put in an appearance with little surprises to bring in the festive spirit.

The end of the night finishes with entertainment by the St Luke's Gathering Band.

"They are excellent singers and players," said Mr Croton.

He says there will also be a draw for three prizes donated by Trust House and a sausage sizzle.

Friends of Cobblestones are putting the finishing touches on the grounds in preparation of the event with a working bee today.

Mr Croton is expecting it will be a hive of activity at Cobblestones on Saturday with cruise ship tourists coming over from Wellington for the Museum Market.

The market sells local gourmet produce, craft, plants, clothing and art with proceeds used to maintain and improve the museum grounds.

It starts at 10am and ends at 1pm.

Entry is free to both events and, if the weather is wet, the carols will be held in the Greytown Town Centre.