Night of Lights Geelong to spread Christmas joy over airwaves

In partnership with Bethany Community Support and bay 93.9, the City of Greater Geelong is excited to announce Night of Lights Geelong, a live two-hour broadcast concert from 7pm on Friday 27 November.

The broadcast will feature festive songs and carols, covers by local musicians, messages from local leaders and heroes, as well as a sing-along with Santa.

The Greater Geelong community will be invited to use the hashtag #geelongnightoflights for social media posts in the lead up to share messages of love to family and friends, some of which will be read out on air.

Residents will also be encouraged to decorate their houses, gardens, windows and mailboxes with lights, and turn them on at 9pm as a gesture of celebration and community solidarity.

Monetary donations to Bethany’s Geelong Giving Tree Appeal will be encouraged throughout the night. Bethany will distribute funds raised directly to families as gift cards.

City of Greater Geelong Director Community Life Robyn Stevens said the special event was aimed at bringing the Greater Geelong community together locally and ‘over the airwaves’ in a moment of community celebration

“The two-hour broadcast on bay 93.9 is a way we can spread Christmas joy to everyone listening in, while we all connect with family and neighbours in our local communities.”

“We invite everyone to tune in and get involved by posting on social media or coming out into your driveway at 9pm to say a Merry Christmas to your neighbours and see your street lit up with Christmas lights.”

“Geelong Night of Lights is about joining together as a community, in a meaningful way, to ring in the festive season,” Ms Stevens said.

Bethany Community Support CEO Grant Boyd thanked the City and bay 93.9 for delivering a night of entertainment as part of the Geelong Giving Tree Appeal.

To stay COVID safe, the appeal has changed to asking for monetary donations rather than gifts, he said.

“This year more families need our support and we hope our community can help us raise $100,000 to change Christmas for local families in need,” Mr Boyd said.

“While we can’t accept gifts this year, we’re asking people to donate money so we can provide gift cards directly to families.

“Your donation can bring relief to a family who is really struggling at this time of year.”

Details about how to donate will be available at www.bethany.org.au/geelong-giving-tree-appeal/

“A big thank you to the City of Greater Geelong and bay 93.9 for partnering with us to promote our Giving Appeal and help local families,” Mr Boyd said.

Regional Content Director, bay 93.9 Mark Hyland said a good dose of Christmas joy was needed more than ever.

“I’m very happy bay 93.9 is working with the City of Greater Geelong to bring the Night Of Lights to Geelong, Bellarine & Surf Coast,” said Mr Hyland.

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