Fingers crossed for fine evening

The annual Christmas Carols by Candlelight in Kuirau Park is a family event to celebrate the festive spirit. Photo / Stephen Parker

Christmas Carols in Kuirau Park.

Rotorua Geyserland Lions Club members would rather not be singing in the rain at the annual Christmas Carols by Candlelight at Kuirau Park.

In 21 years, the event has be called off only once due to bad weather, co-ordinator and Geyserland Lions Club member, Dave Elliot said.

If it is a fine, clear night, as many as 2000 people could be expected to turn up to sing carols and join in the festive spirit, he said. But if it rains, the event will be moved to the City Focus which would not be a big enough venue to cater for the same number of people, he said.

Christmas carol singing in Kuirau Park has been an annual fixture for so long, it has become an iconic event for the city, Mr Elliot said.

"It is a really good family event for parents to bring all the children along and a few hours of singing carols."

Among the performers tonight will be the Rotorua Symphonic Band which will begin the two-and-a-half hour event with a Christmas Overture followed by Evelyn Faulkner and singers, and the Chapman College Choir.

The event, near the Perfumed Garden, will begin at 7pm, with candles lit at 8.50pm.

Also appearing will be local ukulele ensemble The Thermaleles, and children's entertainers Go Bananaz.

Song sheets will be available.

Details

What: Christmas Carols in Kuirau Park
Where: Kuirau Park, cnr Ranolf St and Lake Road.(or City Focus if wet).
When: Tonight 7pm-9.30pm
Cost: Free