General News
5 December, 2025
Free, family-friendly carols return to Sawyer Park
It's already beginning to look a lot like Christmas in Horsham. But soon it will sound a lot like Christmas too, with the Horsham Carols by Candlelight to be held this Sunday.
And that's exactly what the event's committee members hope for, with Simon Dandy explaining that their mantra is to ignite the Christmas spirit in the Wimmera.
"While you hear carols in shops and you see them on television, for me, when you go to a carols event in the community, it really starts the Christmas season," Mr Dandy said.
Attendees are in for a big night of entertainment, with several soloists to perform with the backing of the Carols band or choir, directed by Lane Hyde.
Mr Dandy said again that all artists will be locals. As the community has expressed previously, they much prefer seeing local performers rather than bigger names.
"Horsham has so much talent, and they want to see local people - their friends, people they know up on stage," Mr Dandy said.
"So that's the program we have stuck with, and it's jam-packed full of local talent of all ages, which is great."
The evening will feature a pre-program before the Carols officially get underway, and food and a kids' section will also be available.
Darryn Wardle and Jeff Woodward are among the performers to begin the event, with the Horsham Rural City Band also taking to the stage early on in the night.
Children haven't been forgotten and are guaranteed to be entertained by the Art Council's Godspell, with its energetic, fun, and vibrant style.
There will be both female and male assemblies, along with a couple of singers, either making their carols debut or making their debut as a soloist.
Chloe Findlay will perform a classic, Silent Night, with the backing of the choir, while Sienna Walsgott, who is making her debut at the carols as a soloist, will perform O Holy Night, also backed by the choir.
Another to be making a carols debut is Noah Mibus.
And finally, Jack of all trades Lisa Thomas, who is involved with the band and the choir and is also behind the scenes, will also perform as a soloist.
Mr Dandy said it's a chance for families and individuals to enjoy an affordable, entertaining night in an inclusive, safe environment.
"It's completely free," he said.
"Of course, there are vendors there we want to promote and support, and if people want to have a night out and buy drinks and food from them, then that's fantastic.
"The other thing is it's an alcohol free event, so families can come along and feel safe and enjoy a good night out."
Attendees will have the opportunity to donate to the charity the event will support this year, Wimmera Against Cancer in Kids.
"WACK help local people," Mr Dandy said.
"If a child locally has cancer, and a lot of people know a child who does, their donation is going to help a person they probably know."
Donations can be made on the night through scanning the available barcode, by card or cash.
The event begins at 6pm and will be held at Sawyer Park.