The 2018 Yenda Community Carols by Candlelight will be held on Sunday, December 2 in the centre of town at the Yenda Memorial Park.

Originally started by Bob and Sylvia Allen, who ran it for 21 years, Yenda Community Carols is now under the guidance of a small group of supporters, with the backing of the Rotary Club of Yenda.

The evening will commence with a barbecue courtesy of the Rotary club from 5.30pm and the Griffith City Band will then play from 6pm for about half an hour.

Organising committee member Lucy DeRossi said the night would feature uplifting, festive carols and other Christmas-themed performances, while Santa would drop in before dark.

“There will be local talent and Santa will arrive on a fire engine,” Mrs DeRossi said. “He’ll be handing out lolly bags.”

Les Worland has been drafted in to MC the carols this year.

The community Christmas tree was put up for the first time last year by Griffith City Council, but, after last year’s cancellation, this year will be the first time the tree has been lit. The tree will be in place for the duration of the festive season.

The event doesn’t go too long into the night owing to the number of children in attendance, both as performers and in the audience.

“There’s a couple of times a year the people of Yenda can come together like this,” Mrs DeRossi said.

“We normally get a good crowd. A lot of people from Griffith come and support us.

“Come and sing a few carols and bring the kids along. Don’t forget to bring your own chairs and a rug.”

As well as the barbecue and on-stage entertainment, there will be ice creams, cold drinks and fairy floss for sale, and glow sticks and candles available for purchase to help set the mood.

Yenda Community Carols by Candlelight is funded by the Rotary Club of Yenda.

Entry to the is free, with a small cost of $2.50 for a candle and program. All money raised is returned into the event and the wider community.