Carols by Candlelight

Carols by Candlelight is a major City festival. Every year it takes place before Christmas in Mencap. Carols by candlelight is an Australian Christmas tradition that has become popular worldwide. Carols by Candlelight was begun in Melbourne in 1930's and then following the World War II, Carols moved to Sidney and still now Carols by candlelight is there. It includes people gathering usually in outdoors to sing carols by candlelight, accompanied by a musical band. Newcastle Permanent Building Society has been a sponsor of the Carols festival for 17 years. There are other sponsors of Carols by Candlelight also, like
- NBN 3,
- The Star and
- Radio 2HD.
In Mencap's Carols by candlelight, there are few free entry events. They draw a crowd of more than 25,000, and approximately 100 participating watercraft boats on the lake. In this festival a jumbo screen is used for the live broadcast of the event. It provides a wide vision from the park and from the lake also. The afternoon program starts from 4.00 p.m. This program is children orientated that includes live performances. Here amusement rides, games, stalls, food and refreshments are also available

The evening program starts from 7.30 p.m. and it also consists of live performances. Here you could enjoy performances by local and National artists and, Santa of course! In Mencap's Carols by Candlelight you can experience a mind-blowing fireworks display over the Lake. This is presented in sync with music. This will be really a memorable and magical night of Christmas spirit for you and your whole family.

Last year Mencap's chief executive Williams expressed his happiness that, Her Royal Highness The Countess of Wessex was able to attend one of the services in London and also declared that, all the money that raised and colleted from the services will help people with a learning disability in UK. Last year the Students from Mencap National College in Dilston were invited to read their poems here in Newcastle.

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