The sound of Christmas filled Echuca-Moama as the first weekend of carols kicked off the festive season.
There was something for everyone, with the Moama Lions Club hosting a family-fun event while the Echuca Moama Uniting Church held a traditional carols service.
The Lions Club held its carols at the Kerrabee Soundshell, with around 1500 people in attendance.
Moama Lions Club president Bob Hardwick said it was the Lions’ biggest carols event to date.
“It was one of the biggest events we’ve had in the 30 years we’ve run it,” he said.
“Everyone was buggered at the end of the night, we’re only a little club and a lot of us are in our 80s, so it was a lot to organise.”
It was also the first year that Dillmac Entertainment principal teacher Liz Dillon took on the role of organising the entertainment.
Mr Hardwick added that Mrs Dillon’s involvement was part of the reason for the success.
“We got Liz on board for the first time this year and it was a really successful event; it wouldn’t have been possible without her help,” he said.
The Uniting Church’s carols were also well attended, as lovers of a more traditional sound filled out the pews.
The Echuca Federal Band and Bella A’Capella choir performed classic carols and hymns.
There were also readings of the story of Jesus on the night and attendees were provided with hymn books so they could sing along with the choir.
Uniting Church member Yvonne Pearce said the traditional carols service was well received.
“The carols were well attended and really appreciated by those who came,” she said.
“The carols were great to hear, there was a bit of singing along but it was hard to beat the organ and piano accompaniment and the band as well.”