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Not-so-silent night at Carols by Candlelight

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Oh deer: Mila Airs, 1, donning her reindeer ears with Steph Airs. Photo by Rechelle Zammit

It was all smiles and no resting Grinch faces at Shepparton’s Queen’s Gardens on Sunday night.

The 49th annual Carols by Candlelight spectacle on Sunday, December 17 proved the event continued to be a staple of the town’s Christmas festivities.

A crowd of about 3000 enjoyed a feast of tasty food and drinks supplied by local community groups, vendors and businesses before settling down for the main attraction.

Many talented performers took to the stage to voice their Christmas cheer, including the Awaken Dance Company and the Goulburn Valley Pipes and Drums group.

But it was a special visit from the man of the month that caught the attention of the children in attendance.

Santa Claus, Mrs Claus and the Christmas Fairy performed a jolly good show that delighted kids of all ages.

A spokesperson from the Greater Shepparton City Council said the atmosphere was electric, and everyone felt the spirit of the Greater Shepparton community.

The event was deemed a huge success, and the council said it was already looking forward to 2024 and the 50-year celebration of Carols by Candlelight.

Three wise men: Eighteen-month-old Theo Campbell, David Campbell and Lucas Collyer, 2. Photo by Rechelle Zammit
The more, the merrier: Neema Mukasa, Mwile Kalonda, 2, Mwile Patrick and Fitina Mukasa gather together for the carolling event. Photo by Rechelle Zammit
Fa-la-la-la fabled: Kathleen Parry as Mrs Claus, Lillian Stone as the Christmas Fairy and Sean O’Brien as Santa Claus. Photo by Rechelle Zammit
Sleigh: Lillian Stone and Roxy Parnell dressed for the occasion. Photo by Rechelle Zammit
No Scrooges allowed: Lillian Stone as the Christmas Fairy and Sean O’Brien as Santa Claus entertain event-goers. Photo by Rechelle Zammit
Being present: A moment of merriment between Rae Wood and Eileen Taylor. Photo by Rechelle Zammit
Red-dy for Christmas: Perhaps inspired by Rudolph, Aria Harrison, 6, and Indigo Harrison, 8, dressed in red. Photo by Rechelle Zammit
Dance the halls: The dancers at Awaken Dance Company put on a stellar performance. Photo by Rechelle Zammit
Step into the season: Maddie King from Awaken Dance Company. Photo by Rechelle Zammit
Tinsel toes: Caly Mills from Awaken Dance Company. Photo by Rechelle Zammit
Princesses in the Queen's Gardens: Greta Doncon, 2, and Stella Doncon, 7, shining bright in their crowns and tutus. Photo by Rechelle Zammit
String star: Carol McGregor treated the audience to her musical prowess. Photo by Rechelle Zammit
Santa’s little helpers: Matilda Wright, 5, 18-month-old Alexandra Wright, and Emily Wright, 8. Photo by Rechelle Zammit
Dreaming of a pipe Christmas: The Goulburn Valley Pipes and Drums group delivered. Photo by Rechelle Zammit
Drummer boys and girls: Members of the Goulburn Valley Pipes and Drums group post-performance. Photo by Rechelle Zammit
‘Tis the season: Cr Ben Ladson rockin’ around in the funky tee with Jonathon Ladson, 3, and Bec Ladson. Photo by Rechelle Zammit