The community is encouraged to bring their singing voices and Christmas cheer as carols return to Penrith for the first time since 2019.
Carols by Candlelight will be on at Penrith Showground this Saturday, December 17 from 5pm to 9pm.
The popular event had to be cancelled in 2020 amid COVID-19 restrictions before being transferred to a virtual event.
It did not take place in 2021 but after another trying year plagued by the pandemic and floods, Penrith Paceway CEO Tash Greentree said she wanted to ensure that the tradition that has spread joy to thousands of people in the past could continue.
“Jim Aitken and the regular organisers were unable to coordinate the event this year, but we wanted to make sure that the legacy they created continued,” Ms Greentree said.
“Now more than ever people are eager to get together and feel that community spirit, so we are thrilled to be able to run it this year.”
With all the Christmas classics you know and love, the night is set to be a fun one for people of all ages.
“We will have a range of varied performances from local dancers including LKM Performing Arts Springwood, tiny tots from Kids Academy Regentville and Penrith, as well as singers coordinated by local performer Paige Peters,” she said.
“We will also have food trucks with delicious options and rides, plus All Occasions Pyrotechnics tell me they have a fantastic fireworks display planned which should be better than the one they did at Penrith Show.”
As with previous events, the community will come together to celebrate the holiday season but also to support those less fortunate.
“Our area has experienced the extreme weather, but others are really doing it tough, so we are supporting the flood relief efforts in Eugowra by requesting a gold coin donation on entry,” she said.
“We will also have candles available to purchase and we welcome it if people want to donate more to help out.”
The Paceway site has been a topic of discussion as it awaits the State Government’s decision in relation to acquiring the Penrith Showground to construct a new stadium.
With the future still uncertain, Ms Greentree said it was vital that the carols took place this year and she invites everyone to come along.
“I wouldn’t have attempted to plan anything like this in the short timeframe I have been given but under the proposed acquisition I wanted to ensure that it can continue as it potentially represents the last community event at the showground,” she said.
A graduate of Western Sydney University, Emily covers Local, State and Federal politics for the Weekender, as well as crime and general news.
