The sounds of Christmas will fill the air across the Border in coming days when Wodonga and Albury host their free Carols By Candlelight.
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Albury Carols, to be held at QEII Square on December 20, this year marks its 40th anniversary with a line-up of familiar faces and carols newcomers.
Wodonga Carols, now in its 42nd year, returns to the popular Willow Park site with 2AY radio presenters Karen Prater and Anthony Thompson co-hosting the evening.
Co-ordinator Lindsay Hanchett said Wodonga’s carols will for the first time incorporate Auslan interpreters throughout the night.
More than 20 performers will sing 25 carols at Willow Park, backed by an 80-voice choir from Sing Australia and Wodonga primary schools as well as the 40-piece Wodonga Brass.
“A strong emphasis is always on the development of local performers both on and off the stage,” Mr Hanchett said.
“Seven performers will be leading carols at Wodonga either for the first time or after a break.”
Among those making their carols debut at Willow Park is Lily Ratcliffe-Reid, who has just completed her Higher School Certificate at Xavier High School.
Ratcliffe-Reid, 18, is no stranger to the stage and has always loved performing and is actively involved singing, acting and dancing.
In recent times she has been involved in Border productions of WICKED and Annie in the ensemble and as a featured dancer.
Recently Lily performed in the Australian convention of actors and artists as part of her training with the NFTA and played a part in a local short film. Her wish is to pursue performing arts.
In QEII Square, more than 20 singers will be backed by the nine-piece Albury carols band, led by musical director Paul Gibbs.
Combined with backing vocals of Treena Mannering, this group of professionals adds elements rarely seen in regional Carols shows.
They will be supported by the Albury Carols Choir.
North East comedian John Walker returns for his second stint as Albury Carols host.
The talented showman will also sing a fun duet with another veteran of the stage John Parry who also performed in Albury Wodonga Theatre Company’s WICKED.