Countdown to the 2018 Launceston Carols by Candlelight

The Launceston Carols by Candlelight will take place on Sunday evening, with thousands expected to attend the festivities.

MC Jo Palmer said she was very excited for Sunday evening.

“I think it’s one of those events where it’s a great opportunity for local talent to be showcased to our community,” she said.

“I think sometimes we forget the amazing musical talent we have here in Launceston.

“For all of our performers – they don’t often get to perform in front of thousands of people.”

Harpist Emily Sanzaro will perform at the event, both as a soloist and as part of a duo.

“It’s just so lovely as a performer to be able to share this with the community,” she said.

“It’s really fun, getting in the festive spirit.”

She said all performers donate their time to take part, but it was “such a pleasure to do it”.

Joy van Names of Vos Constructions said alongside the performances, the event was also about family.

“It’s about enjoying and celebrating the birth of Jesus,” she said. “That’s the theme and the motivation.”

Mrs Palmer said though there was a hashtag for the event, she hoped people would stay in the moment and enjoy the night without being glued to a screen.

“What’s happening around them will be more exciting than what’s happening on their phones,” she said.

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The Launceston Carols by Candlelight is organised by the Rotary Club of Tamar Sunrise.

All funds raised from the event will be donated to The Examiner’s Empty Stocking Appeal.

Carols committee chairman Danny Gibson, and Launceston deputy mayor, said the aim was to match the $16,000 in funds raised from last year’s event.

The appeal’s goal is $80,000, with more than $71,000 raised so far.

Funds are raised for the Launceston City Mission, The Salvation Army, The Benevolent Society, and St Vincent de Paul.

City Park will close at 3pm for the set-up of the event. No entries or pass-outs will be permitted past 9.15pm.

To donate to the Empty Stocking Appeal, click here.