Dannevirke: Firm gives carols event extra sparkle

Ben Harrowfield, of the Dannevirke Christian Fellowship (left), Greg Motu, Pastor of Hosanna Baptist Church, Melissa Martin and Gary Mitchelmore, of the Dannevirke Theatre Company. Photo / Christine McKay

Dannevirke company Scanpower has added some extra sparkle to Dannevirke's Carols in the Domain which is being held for the first time in years.

"This will be a wonderful afternoon and evening celebration of all things Christmas, with a complete family focus," Pastor Greg Motu, of Hosanna Baptist Church, said.

The revitalisation of the event is being led by Melissa Martin and Gary Mitchelmore, of the Dannevirke Theatre Company, and with Mr Motu and Ben Harrowfield, of the Dannevirke Christian Fellowship, they have begun working on the finer details of the event. "This will bring back magical memories for many," Miss Martin said. "And it's about taking the commercialism out of Christmas and being together as a family."

The Carols in the Park replaces previous events held in the Town Hall and Mr Mitchelmore said the group was enthusiastic about the event which had attracted community-owned company Scanpower as its main sponsor.

"Scanpower have agreed to donate $2500 to the event which will allow us to purchase lighting. This will be a great asset for further carols by candlelight events," he said. "They saw this as something good to get behind and as they'd previously sponsored the event when it had been held in the Domain."

Mr Harrowfield said that with a friendly, family atmosphere, the event would be special.

And Mr Motu agreed.

"As it gets dark, we'll spark up the fairy lights and have Christmas carols. It will be quite magical with the lights in the trees."

The afternoon of entertainment will feature local artists and will be followed by the carols by candlelight. Glow sticks will be on sale, but the public are also welcome to take along their own.

The Dannevirke Lions Club will be selling barbecue sausages and assisting as wardens.

Mr Mitchelmore said the Dannevirke Theatre Company will plan, administer, manage and set up the event, as well as take responsibility for the clean-up.

The organising group has asked the Dannevirke Community Board for funding to help advertise the event, but board member Tim Delaney feels the event should be retained as carols in the Town Hall.

"The reality is that in the last few years it's rained," he said. "We should offer them the use of the Town Hall."

However fellow board member Ross Macdonald said the group "don't intend to go to the Town Hall".

"They're not interested."

But Mr Mitchelmore told the Dannevirke News he had already booked the Town Hall.

-Carols in the Domain will be held on Saturday, December 19, with a weather alternative day of Sunday, December 20.