Sunday, May 14, 2017

Merri Christmas cheers thousands -- Carols by the Merri 1999

by Kristy Hess. Photographs Damien White. Warrnambool Standard 28th Dec 1999 - ©Copyright Warrnambool Standard 1999.

Thousands flocked to Carols by the Merri last night at Dennington on the western side of Warrnambool. The Nestles milk factory is in the background at left.

WARRNAMBOOL and district residents were treated to a continuous string of Christmas carols last night as they sat on a bank of the Merri River waving candles and singing to the familiar tunes. The inaugural Carols by the Merri showcased the region's outstanding musical talent, with artists such as Shane and Marcia Howard, Wendy Goyen, Anna Lee Robertson and Oriel Glennen.

Ciaran Keegan entertains the crowd

Thousands of people flocked to the Dennington Esplanade to hear the carols and enjoy the evening which was one of many festive events staged throughout the region during the past few weeks. It was a special moment for the Howard family with the entire clan returning to the city to perform at the event which featured a program of 28 carols and popular Christmas songs. Organisers of the event were thrilled by the turn-out and are keen to make the carols a regular event on Warrnambool's Christmas calendar. City residents welcomed the variety of carolling events on offer this year. Mother of three Ann Allen said carolling events were a great "family affair". "It's good to have more to choose from because not everyone can go on the one night." Of course, no carols event would be complete without a visit from the jolly fellow in the red and white suit, who mingled with the children throughout the night. Meanwhile, Port Fairy held a carols by candlelight last night on the town's Village Green. The event marked the beginning of the popular Moyneyana Festival. Highlights of the night included performances by Margaret Clark, Peg Chapman and Maree Crowe. Anna Lee Robertson and Oriel Glennen dashed between district events to keep the crowds entertained. Carols also were sung last night in Hamilton.


Dennington's St. John's Primary School pupils perform at Carols by the Merri last nigh

No comments:

Post a Comment