CHRISTMAS CAROLS wowed the crowd with its opening number The Little Drummer Boy as residents from Mitchell Shire Council got into the festive spirit at Wallan’s Hudsons Park on Saturday evening.
It is all thanks to many community members who bank with the local bank that puts the community at the heart of its profits.
A [Bendigo] Community Bank, Wallan, Kilmore and Broadford spokesperson announced that since 2017 the bank has handed out a record $5 million in donations and to celebrate it is giving away $5000 in prizes. A QR code was made available for people to enter the draw as part of a Christmas surprise for residents aged 18 or over and the winners will be announced on its Facebook page early next year.
Emcee and organiser Benny Gregs put his heart and soul into making the experience memorable for everyone who attended and The Sound Board of Australia, a five-piece rock band, filled the stage to back up five individual singers performing the festive season’s favourites.
Santa’s stage appearance marked the opening of the ‘kids section of the carols’. Co-hosted by YouTuber Lucas Ivkovic and Aydan Calafiore, the performers delighted young people as much if not more than Nestle’s donation of free lollies.
“As a local person who has been travelling around the world emceeing events, it’s great to be home,” Mr Gregs said.
Local performer Tilly Bosworth, stage name Tilly Rose, said: “When I was walking up those stairs the first time I thought ‘ohh, that’s a lot of people’. I’m used to rocking up in cowboy boots and a hat”.
Earlier Mr Gregs said: “Having the event in Wallan meant they were starting from scratch. The stage is bigger. We are striving to make this something everyone talks about. We want people to be as safe as possible, and the event has outgrown the Kilmore location”.
Ian Gillon, Chair of the Community Bank, Wallan, Kilmore and Broadford, said: “It’s just wonderful to see the local community; families all coming together for a bit of fun and festivities”.
Sheree Tivendale, fellow board member, said: “I think it was a great night. Lots of families here singing along and enjoying the festivities. I hope everyone enjoyed it”.
Other major sponsors included Mitchell Shire Council and Hilltop Caravans.
Howard Squires Funerals, Southern Cross Gold, Hess Real Estate, Meli Building Group and The Aesthetic Medic also financially supported the wondrous free event.
