Candles burn brightly

Almost 10,000 people attended the musical event’s 40^th anniversary, making it one of the biggest crowds organisers said they had seen. 

It was the first Australian Christmas for the Mwala family, who had moved to Wodonga from Congo in Africa this year. 

They said Christmas was a big event for Christians in Congo, which involved going to mass and then having a party with family and friends. 

Wodonga mayor Anna Speedie was among the large crowd, and said the carols was an important night on the Border’s calendar. 

“It’s really about kicking off your Christmas, it brings it all together and it’s all about friends and family,” she said.

“It was sad to cancel it last year, but I think it’s brought everybody out tonight.”

Wodonga Council had called off last year’s event at 4pm due to burning fires on December 20, where smoke had blanketed the sky. 

Organisers had moved the stage about 10 metres closer to the grassy hill facing Kennedy Court to create a natural amphitheatre this year. 

When the sun set the light of the candles created a magical atmosphere as the performers took to the stage. 

It was one of the highest candle sales ever, with more than $3000 raised donated to Albury Wodonga Health.

Fund’s from this year’s carols will be put towards the development of a new rehabilitation garden in the inpatient ward of Wodonga hospital. 

Albury resident Jeryl Watson, who is a member of Sing Australia, said she enjoyed getting up on the stage.

“We don’t have to be good singers, we just sing because we enjoy singing,” she said.

“Doing it here is terrific, because you see the candles from a different perspective up on stage. 

“People come together as a community, much more than they would any other time I think.

“Everyone’s in a good mood, Christmas seems to do that.”

Organiser Lindsay Hanchett said it was great to be back at Willow Park.

“Especially after last year’s frustrations with the bushfires,” he said.

“It was three years since we were last here.”