The Whittlesea community are gearing up for a festive December after the announcement of free community event The Whittlesea Christmas Festival.
Set at Whittlesea Showgrounds on December 17, event organisers New Horizons Church Whittlesea, on behalf of the Churches of Whittlesea Township, and the Whittlesea Agricultural Society, will ensure the festival has activities for all ages to enjoy.
A twilight market from 4pm will include food trucks, market stalls, a living nativity, vintage car display, craft activities for the kids, a photobooth and Christmas tree wonderland.
Multi-award winning artist Carter and Carter and their band will perform live from 6.30pm, sure to captivate the community with their country sound, having performed for more than 20 years throughout the country.
Community Christmas carols will begin at 7.30pm, featuring local artists, bands, the Whittlesea township choir, school performance groups, the Salvation Army band, the Whittlesea CFA and a special piece from Santa and the Grinch, with Auslan iInterpreters also attending.
New Horizons pastor Rohan Bujis says the event would take inspiration from the Christmas tale ‘The Grinch Who Stole Christmas’.
“The Grinch was challenged by the Christmas spirit that still existed without the presence of material things, he then comes to understand that the very fibre of a community coming together is the love and sense of belonging behind the joy and hope of Christmas – the same fibres that weave our community together and we wish to celebrate,” he said.
“The Whittlesea community are embracing the opportunity to reflect that the joy and hope of Christmas is not in gifts and material things. Instead, it is the selflessness, interconnectedness and rapport that is fostered by a community coming together.”
Mr Bujis said the event was made possible by the combined efforts of multiple organisations and volunteers, including major sponsor City of Whittlesea.
“After two years of separation due to COVID-19, this free community event aims to bring people of all ages together to celebrate the joy of Christmas,” he said.
Despite the unpredictable weather of recent weeks, Mr Bujis said the event would run ‘no matter what the weather conditions’.
The event is alcohol-free, with all welcome and encouraged to bring their own picnic rug and chairs.
More information about the event can be found on The Whittlesea Christmas Festival Facebook event page.