Choir preparing to sing

Candles won't be the only thing shining brightly at Hamilton Christmas Charitable Trust's Carols by Candlelight this year.

More than 30 children from Maeroa Intermediate School are set to give a star performance as the designated carol singers at Saturday's event. And Maeroa Intermediate teacher and choir director Trish Scoble says guests should prepare to be impressed by the young entertainers.

"In the carols group there are 32 singers, a mixture of boys and girls aged between 11 and 13," she said.

"They've been practising for the past six weeks, and as this is the first time many of them will have performed to a crowd of this size, they are both excited and nervous.

They will perform as a chorus, and there will also be solo pieces from five children - Bree Stevens, Verity Skoludek, Sophia Langeveld, Taylah Kopa and Payton Yimloy.

"Without giving too much away, there will be traditional carols, some items that are not so traditional and something to make you laugh," she said.

Hamilton Christmas Charitable Trust events manager Karen Watkins said this year's event will also include dance items, life-sized Christmas characters, and the chance to win prizes.

"We are thrilled that Hamilton's traditional carols event, Carols by Candlelight, is returning to Hamilton this year for the second year in a row, following a seven-year break.

"In addition to this year's entertainment, the public can purchase candles to support Hospice Waikato, or donate money for a memory star to hang on the Christmas Tree in Garden Place."

The free event takes place this Saturday from 4.30-7pm at Claudelands Arena.