Christmas events get green light

After a year of uncertainty and restrictions, it’s the news that families have been waiting for – Christmas in the Moreton Bay Region has been given the green light.

Despite the cancellation of several smaller carol events, the region’s four signature Christmas Carols at Caboolture, North Lakes, Redcliffe and Pine Rivers will be going ahead thanks to Moreton Bay Region Industry & Tourism (MBRIT) and Moreton Bay Regional Council.

Running each Sunday from November 29 to December 20, the free family-friendly events will look slightly different as a result of COVID-19 and the implementation of additional safety measures, explains MBRIT CEO Shane Newcombe.

“Thanks to the support of Moreton Bay Regional Council, we’re absolutely thrilled to be in a position to deliver the much-loved Christmas Carols program again in 2020, especially after such a difficult year for so many in our community,” Mr Newcome says.

COVID Safe event

Event organisers have been working closely with Queensland Health to ensure each of the events meets the new industry framework for COVID safe events.

“Our biggest hurdle has been navigating the contact tracing requirements for these free events. This year, anybody wishing to attend will need to register online for a free ticket,” Mr Newcombe says.

Registrations will open a week prior to the event online at moretondaily.com.au/Christmas.

“To avoid disappointment, we encourage anybody wishing to attend to pre-register their interest, so they are the first to hear when registration opens for their nominated Christmas Carols event. Walk-ins will not be accepted on the day.

“Despite running things a little bit differently this year, it’s a small inconvenience that allows us to deliver these much-loved family carols for our local residents and most importantly, keep the events free.”

What to expect

At all four events, there will be a free festive afternoon program of stage entertainment, visit from Santa and his new walk-through experience, market stalls, food trucks and a spectacular fireworks finale.

Moreton Bay Regional Council Mayor Peter Flannery says, after a turbulent 2020, it is important to help local communities with moments of celebration on the road to recovery.

“There’s nothing more precious than time spent with family, especially at Christmas. In fact, I’ve already got the picnic basket packed and ready to watch the fireworks finale light up the sky from 7.45pm,” he says.

“The fact that we’re able to celebrate like this is a testament to the hard work of every local in keeping us safe from the coronavirus, so we deserve this.

“I’m proud that that we’ve been able to roll out this program of Christmas events for our local community, with just a few changes to ensure that we keep everyone safe.

“Christmas is such a wonderful time and I think families will welcome the festive cheer more than ever this year.”

Key changes to the 2020 Christmas Carols program

• Attendees must register their attendance online to receive a free ticket.
• MBRIT encourages anyone wishing to attend to pre-register online to be the first to hear when registrations open for each event.
• Due to COVID-19, amusement rides and Santa’s Village won’t be going ahead this year. Instead, families can enjoy the new Santa’s walk-through experience at each event.
• Redcliffe’s Christmas Carols have been moved to Dolphin Stadium to better manage contact tracing requirements.

Save the date - Christmas in the Moreton Bay Region program dates are:

• Caboolture Christmas Carols, Sunday November 29, Centenary Lakes Park, Caboolture, 3-8pm
• North Lakes Christmas Carols, Sunday December 6, Kinsellas Sports Complex, Innovation Place, North Lakes, 3-8pm
• Redcliffe Christmas Carols, Sunday December 13, Dolphin Stadium, Redcliffe, 3-8pm
• Pine Rivers Christmas Carols, Sunday December 20, Pine Rivers Park, 3-8pm

To learn more about the Christmas in the Moreton Bay Region program and how to pre-register your attendance, visit www.moretondaily.com.au/christmas or phone 3897 4999.

Christmas Moreton Bay Region is proudly presented by Moreton Bay Region Industry & Tourism (MBRIT) and partnered with Moreton Bay Regional Council.

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