History of Carols by Candlelight
Did you know that Carols by Candlelight is an Australian Christmas tradition? According to Wikipedia it originated in southeastern Australia in the 19th century and was popularised in Melbourne in 1937. The tradition has since spread around the world.
The tradition then spread through Victoria and Melbourne, until it was popularised in 1938 by Norman Banks, a radio announcer, then with Melbourne radio station 3KZ. Whilst walking home from his night-time radio shift on Christmas Eve in 1937, he passed a window and saw inside an elderly woman sitting up in bed, listening to Away in a Manger being played on the radio and singing along, with her face being lit by candlelight.
Wondering how many others spent Christmas alone, he had the idea to gather a large group of people to all sing Christmas carols together by candlelight. The first ever such event was held in Alexandra Gardens the following Christmas, 1938, and was attended by around 10,000 people.
The tradition then spread through Victoria and Melbourne, until it was popularised in 1938 by Norman Banks, a radio announcer, then with Melbourne radio station 3KZ. Whilst walking home from his night-time radio shift on Christmas Eve in 1937, he passed a window and saw inside an elderly woman sitting up in bed, listening to Away in a Manger being played on the radio and singing along, with her face being lit by candlelight.
Wondering how many others spent Christmas alone, he had the idea to gather a large group of people to all sing Christmas carols together by candlelight. The first ever such event was held in Alexandra Gardens the following Christmas, 1938, and was attended by around 10,000 people.
Launceston - 2013
In 2013, The Rotary Club of Tamar Sunrise took the lead role in hosting Carols by Candlelight. The event was staged on Sunday 15 December with the help of many volunteers resulting in over $15,000 raised for the Empty Stocking appeal.
Sponsors:
Sponsors:
- Presenting Partner: The VOS Foundation
- Gold Bell: St Lukes Health and Circa 41
- Silver Bell: Launceston City Council, Festivale, Crowe Horwath and W D Booth Trust
- Bronze Bell: West Tamar Council, Tasmanian Alkaloids,
- Media Partners: The Examiner, Southern Cross Television
Artists and Entertainers:
A very big thank you to the incredibly talented artists and entertainers who were part of the 2013 Program:
A very big thank you to the incredibly talented artists and entertainers who were part of the 2013 Program:
|
Abbey Hansson
Alex Thompson Amelia Reynolds Billy Bennet Cassie Szabo City of Launceston RSL Band Cody Gunton Door of Hope Christian Church Ella Booth Felicity Shaw Forte Freddie and Georgie Todman |
Freelife Church
Henry Strong Isabella Lindblad Jade Howard John de Jong Juliane Di Sisto Lee Brient Logan Dunstan Mikaela Campbell Natalie Reid Nicholas Connelley |
Rachel Doherty
Reuben Koops Ross Challendar Big Band Sally Crates Santa St. Andrews Caledonian Pipe Band Steven Henty The Fellas The Lads Travis Hennessey |
1982 - 2012
The Riverside Lions Club very successfully hosted the event between 1982 and 2012. We would love to feature photos and news articles from this time - please get in touch with us if you are able to help us out with information!
