Romsey residents can look forward to a series of events lined up this month as the Christmas in Romsey Festival gets underway.
Supported and delivered by the Eastern Macedon Ranges Business and Tourism Association, EMRBATA, and Romsey Neighbourhood House, five events and initiatives are taking place to build festive spirit and strengthen the sense of community.
A staple of Christmas celebrations in Romsey, the Main Street Christmas Tree Display is once again up and running with various community groups and businesses decorating trees along the main thoroughfare.
Neighbourhood House manager Michelle Balthazar said the events planned would be available for anyone who wanted to attend and socialise.
“One of the main goals of Romsey Neighbourhood House is to connect people and connect community, particularly those who might feel socially isolated,” she said.
“All these events are aimed at creating a community that cares or working towards working together as a community that cares for each other.”
Already underway at Romsey Neighbourhood House is its Christmas tree sale, open from December 1 to 11, with a range of different trees available for residents who might not have organised one yet.
To place an order, people can visit the house, or call on 5429 6724 or search .
On Saturday, the Romsey Community Carols will take place at Romsey Primary School’s north oval, with food vans available from 6pm and the Carols program commencing at 7pm.
Christmas Gift Giving will also take place from 9.30am to 4pm on Saturday and 9.30am to 1pm on Sunday, with donations always welcome to be put towards a gift for those in need. To donate, call 5429 6724.
“The Christmas Gift Giving, we’re just getting so much support from an amazing array of local businesses and the churches and everything,” Ms Balthazar said.
“It’s really beautiful to see different community members coming together to care and to be supported.”
Romsey Mechanics Institute will play host to the Christmas Community Lunch from 12.30pm on December 14, providing people with an opportunity to get out and connect with members of the community in a friendly environment.
People must RSVP before this Friday, which can be done by visiting the neighbourhood house, calling 5429 6724 or searching online at bit.ly/RNHXMASLUNCH23.
To cap the festival off, two sessions will take place on December 21 and 22 at Romsey Community Co-Op for the Christmas Storytime and Decoration Making, featuring art and craft activities and supported by local author Natasa Xerri.
The event is open to children aged four and older and is $10 per child. For more information and to register interest, email themacedonrangesrc@gmail.com.
“It’s really lovely to see the community coming together and really helping to spread that spirit of Christmas, bringing it all back together [after the past few years],” Ms Balthazar said.
Romsey Neighbourhood House is located at 96-100 Main Street, Romsey. .
