Christmas carols draw big crowd to Kuirau Park

From left Jodi Rio with her son Tyson, 4, and his cousin Munroe Nahu, 4. Carols by Candlelight at Kuirau Park. 16 December 2016 Daily Post photograph by Stpehen Parker

Voices resounded through Kuirau Park and filled the air with Christmas cheer as locals sang their favourite carols.

Hundreds of people gathered at Kuirau Park tonight for the annual Carols by Candlelight Christmas celebration.

Organiser and Rotorua Geyserland Lions Club president Allister McGregor told the Rotorua Daily Post at the event the night was going even better than planned.

The site was bigger this year, having been moved to the front of the covered bridge between the two lakes at Kuirau Park.

"The new site has worked way better. It's looking great and it's almost fully packed."

He said Rotorua Lakes Council had connected power to the new site, which was a massive help.

"I started this 25 years ago and it's been going ever since. It's become a feature of Rotorua. It's nice to see the families and kids getting out there," he said.

Rotorua's Paulina Romero went along with her 4-year-old son, Gabriel Collins.

"This is our Christmas tradition. We had to stop while my boy was growing up but we have started again. It's a great way to start Christmas.

"The carols and the people are great, but the best thing is the community spirit.

"My favourite carol is Little Drummer Boy, it talks about what you all should do and that's offer our bit in life," she said.

Petro Bell was there with her husband and two sons.

"It's the first time we have come. We have always tried but it always rains. I can't believe there's so many people here; it's really cool."

Mrs Bell's son Arthur, 4, said his favourite carol was Jingle Bells because it made him feel happy.

Hamish Temple-Doig went along with his wife and three kids for a family night out.

"It's for the kids and for the spiritual side of things. We believe in the Christmas story and it's a special time of year," he said.

The programme featured the Rotorua Symphonic Band, with choir conductor Evelyn Falconer leading the Malfroy Primary and Western Heights High School choirs. There were also performances by soloists Nadia Cooper and Armeleigh Manktellow.

Proceeds from the gold coin donation will go towards the Rotorua Hospital's Chaplains Trust, which works with patients and families in their time of need.

The Lions Club of Rotorua Geyserland organised the event alongside NZME and local businesses AVT Lighting, which put on a special light show, and Andy's Marquee and Party Hire.