Carols from comfort of your home

Grab the popcorn, a cool beverage and gather around the television and sing along to some Christmas tunes when Carols in Cairns screens on YouTube and Facebook from 19 December.

Filmed at iconic destinations around Cairns, 25 local acts from school choirs to retirement home residents, are part of this year’s 90-minute festive showcase.

The decision to proceed with an online Carols event was made earlier this year due to the ongoing uncertainty about COVID-19 restrictions at the time, ensuring a production would be available for the community to enjoy regardless of any health directives.

It followed the very successful 2020 ‘Carols in Cairns movie’, which was also screened on YouTube and Facebook, and available on demand, and was enjoyed by more than 34,000 people globally.

Cairns Mayor Bob Manning acknowledged 2021 has again been a challenging year for many people and hoped Carols in Cairns would provide some festive cheer for families across the city.

“Given the uncertainty that has surrounded COVID-19 restrictions and border closures, we have decided to again proceed with an online production, which will give everyone in the community the chance to celebrate the festive season with family and friends,” Cr Manning said.

“While Council’s in-person event won’t go ahead this year, there has been support for a number of community-run events through grant funding.”

Cr Manning said as the country moves towards “living with COVID” and restrictions on gatherings become less likely, a more traditional Carols by Candlelight event will return for Christmas 2022.

Heightened Security Solutions was the lead sponsor for this year’s Carols in Cairns.

“Heightened Security is really proud to be supporting this year’s Christmas Carols,” said Rick Huriwai, Director of Heightened Security Solutions

“We hope that everyone has a wonderful Christmas, stays safe and enjoys this spectacular production that showcases our great talent and stunning region.”

Thanks also to IFYS Foster Care, free screenings of the Carols in Cairns movie will be hosted at Event Cinemas, Earlville, Smithfield and Cairns Central on the afternoon of Sunday 19 December.

Registration is essential and can be made online. Limited tickets are available.

Carols in Cairns will be broadcast on Council’s YouTube and Facebook platforms from Sunday 19 December from 6.30pm. The production will then be available to share online with family and friends.

Three original songs have been included in this year’s program, “Paradise (Christmas)” by David Hudson, “Tropical Christmas” sung by Sam Kaweyova, and “Down by the sea” by the Whiskey Boat Band.

Register your interest now on the Council YouTube and Facebook events to receive a reminder.

/Public Release. View in full here.