Carols by Candlelight 75th event ‘spectactular’

David Tipi entertaining on the left, with MC Nicky Rennie.

Whanganui’s 75th annual Carols by Candlelight event was spectacular, it was a beautiful evening with clear skies following on from typical spring weather, but the ground underfoot was dry, the sun shone and the wind died down for this year’s event on Saturday, December 7.

The Rotary Club of Whanganui North once again organised the event, and Ngaire Eyers Simms and Damien Hegley said this year’s Carols by Candlelight hosted by the outstanding Nicky Rennie was “absolutely fantastic”.

Olivia Clunie signing for the deaf community.

“Our 75th celebration at Rotokawau Virginia Lake was always going to be a good night, but the performers and fun, family atmosphere absolutely blew our expectations away”.

Both relatively new to Rotary and the organising of a major public event involving council requirements, their teamwork together with Shaun Hogan, with emphasis on marketing has been evident throughout.

An elf giving out lollies proved to be popular with the children.

Everyone was ready to enjoy the Carols and appreciated having the young local talent, and food trucks which also experienced a great night.

“Brass Whanganui, our fabulous choirs, and all our performers looked stunning, and band leader Johnny Greenwell confirmed it had been a very busy day with the Christmas Parade earlier,” said Ngaire Eyers Simms.

“They played a few numbers from their recent concert opening with Te Harinui. Talented sisters Alyssa and Lucy Hartley were a treat also leading three carols.

The candles are lit, waiting for the darkness to create an atmosphere.

“Whanganui’s deaf community were excited to have 11-year-old Olivia Clunie confidently signing for two numbers.

“The voices of David Tipi and William Pati were mesmerising, and the aviary’s cockatoos contributed to the singing too!

“We’re grateful to all the sponsors who contributed to the event, without whom we could not do what we were able to do.

“Donations from this year’s event will cover costs, as the expenses of running an event of this scale are increasing.

“We’re not sure about attendance numbers, but it was a great turnout with extended families and children smiling and having fun,” she said.