Organisers opt not to have traditional Carols by Candlelight for second year in Wodonga due to COVID

Organisers announced on Thursday that COVID-19 cases circulating on the Border had prompted the decision not to stage the Christmas celebration at a usual outdoors venue.

Co-organiser Jacob Mildren had hoped the event may return to its traditional format, but that has not proven feasible.

"Unfortunately, with the current COVID situation in Victoria and our border community it is simply not possible to host a traditional Wodonga Carols event, with thousands of people gathered in Willow Park," Mr Mildren said.

Instead, like last year, Carols by Candlelight will be broadcast on wodongacarols.org, YouTube, and radio 2AY on Sunday December 19 from 7.30pm, rather than be abandoned.

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"After being separated by borders and restrictions again for most of 2021, we decided it is important to do everything in our power to ensure Christmas is as normal as possible," Mr Mildren said.

"It was terrific to see thousands of families watch Wodonga Carols via wodongacarols.org in 2020, and we hope to see it again this year.

"We've brought in new high-tech streaming technology, five new singers, and all our Wodonga Carols favourites to ensure the event is bigger and better this year.

"For the first time in the event's 46 years, in 2021 we are even bringing in a barbershop quartet."

Money raised from sales of virtual candles will go towards Albury Wodonga Health's Christmas appeal.

Albury's Carols by Candlelights has been cancelled for this year because of COVID-19.

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