Carols by Candlelight | History |
Carols by Candlelight is a Christmas tradition that originated in Melbourne and has now spread around the world.
The first Carols by Candlelight were held in Alexandra Gardens, Melbourne in 1938, attended by around 10,000 people.
Norman Banks, a 3KZ radio announcer was walking home from his night-time radio shift on Christmas Eve in 1937, when he passed a window and saw an elderly woman inside 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 invite people to a group event and sing Christmas carols together by candlelight.
Carols by Candlelight was held in Alexandra Gardens from 1938 to 1958 and then moved to the newly constructed Sidney Myer Music Bowl in 1959.
Funds raised on the night are donated to Vision Australia (formerly the Royal Victorian Institute for the Blind).
Today, the largest Carols by Candlelight is held annually at the Sidney Myer Music Bowl in Melbourne's King's Domain Gardens on Christmas Eve.
The first Carols by Candlelight (1938)
Carols by Candlelight began in 1938, when Norman Banks had the vision to create a Christmas tradition that would bring joy and light to families. The first event was a community gathering that set the stage for decades of celebrations to come.
The first broadcast on Channel 9
In 1959, Carols by Candlelight was broadcast on television for the first time by Channel 9, bringing the event into homes across Australia. This marked the beginning of a cherished partnership that has helped spread joy and create family tradition far and wide.
Memorable performances
Over the years, we have been graced by incredible performances from artists like Marina Prior, David Hobson and Silvie Paladino, creating unforgettable moments for Australians on Christmas Eve.
❊ Web Links ❊
➼ Carols by Candlelight | History
➼ www.visionaustralia.org
➼ www.wikipedia.org/Carols_by_Candlelight
❊ Also See... ❊
➼ Carols by Candlelight 2024 | Vision Australia
➼ Melbourne's Carols By Candelight
Disclaimer: Check with the venue (web links) before making plans, travelling or buying tickets.
Accessibility: Contact the venue for accessibility information.
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