Hundreds enjoy Rotorua's Carols by Candlelight

FESTIVE: Hundreds gathered for the annual Carols by Candlelight concert at Kuirau Park last night. PHOTO/BEN FRASER 131213BF10

The Christmas season has well and truly started as the annual Carols by Candlelight heralded in the festivities.

Hundreds of people gathered at the Kuirau Park amphitheatre last night to get into the festive spirit with music.

The concert, organised by the Geyserland Lions, is in its 21st year. It included the Rotorua Symphonic Band accompanying singers to the likes of Silent Night, O Come All Ye Faithful and Joy to the World.

"This is a highlight for the band," said organiser and band trombonist David Elliott.

"We've played in rest homes and the atrium of the hospital but this is the first outdoor function of the season. For Rotorua it's the start of the festive season."

Also performing were Finely Tuned, a quartet of Evelyn Falconer, Tania Pinfold, Marlene Badger and Sue Morrison, Chapman College Choir, the Thermaleles and children's entertainment came from Go Bananaz.

Families gathered with picnic blankets and chairs to make sure they were comfortable. Some children were already in their pyjamas and other concertgoers wore red Santa hats.

Melanie Short said her mum's eyes lit up when she mentioned going to the concert.

"She loves anything musical," Mrs Short said.

"I've come down in the past. It's a wonderful evening and it's such a gorgeous night. I have my mother and mother-in-law here and I knew they would enjoy it."

Also with Mrs Short at the Kuirau Park concert were her two children, Sam, 8, and Meg, 6, her nephew Charlie, 5, and her husband, Simon.

"This weekend we're putting up our tree and my daughter has her dancer production, it's almost like [Christmas] is just starting."

Candles were lit around 8.50pm before the finale.

Carols and Christmas songs sung included Come They Told Me (Carol of the drum), Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, Mary's Boy Child, Silent Night, Oh Come All Ye Faithful, Hark the Herald Angels Sing and Joy to the World.