When 12 Mornington Peninsula community organisations were faced with the prospect of no traditional Carols by Candlelight events this year because of Covid restrictions, they had to put their Christmas thinking caps on and find a solution fast.
By replacing candlelight with car headlights, the concept was born and the Carols by Headlights celebration event began to take shape. With some added help from the Mornington Peninsula Shire, a committee was formed, partners were added, sponsors founds and the program developed.
Carols by Headlights will be a community celebration over three nights at the Dromana Drive-In. The screening will feature performances from carols groups from across the Shire, local musicians and singers, guest appearances from local celebrities and even Santa himself. There will also be prizes for the best dressed Christmas car. A gold coin donation on entry is being requested for the 'Food for All' charity to feed members of our community in need this Christmas.
For those unable to attend the special screenings, the Carols by Headlights recording will be available on the Mornington Peninsula Shire's website mornpen.vic.gov.au/christmas
As noted by Rosebud Carols member Robyn Clancy
Event supporter Robyn Clancy from Rosebud Carols said the original idea came from Colin Blyth from the Lions Club of McCrae and she was heartened by the way all the other individual carols groups came together to support the concept.
"It's be a very tough year for many and being able to end the year with some Christmas cheer and traditional song will be a great comfort to many families.
"I think Carols by Headlights will be a special way to celebrate Christmas and I hope families from all over the Peninsula come along to share in the festive cheer".
As noted by Mornington Peninsula Shire Mayor Councillor Despi O'Connor
Mornington Peninsula Shire Mayor Despi O'Connor said with only three operating Drive-In theatres in Victoria, this will be a uniquely Peninsula way to celebrate Christmas this year.
"I'm so pleased the Shire could help by securing the Dromana Drive-In and commissioning the Peninsula Film Office to produce the recording.
"Carols performances are a special pre-Christmas ritual for many people and this is a great way to bring everyone together in a Covid-safe way to share in that tradition".
The organisations involved in the project include:
Lions Club of McCrae
Westernport Chamber Of Commerce And Industry Inc.
Western Port Christian Family Inc
Sorrento Portsea Chamber Of Commerce Inc
Mount Eliza Chamber Of Commerce Inc
Country Fire Authority
St George's Anglican Church Redhill
Mt Martha Cricket & Sports Club Inc
Mornington Chamber Of Commerce Inc
Combined Churches of Mt Martha
Rotary Club Of Dromana Inc
Rosebud Carols
The Music Industry
All Saints Anglican Church Rosebud
Peninsula Chamber Orchestra
Mornington Youth & Citizens Brass Band
The Southern Peninsula Concert Band
The organisers also wish to thank the following sponsors for their generous support: Bendigo Bank, SES, Rotary, Lions Club, RPP FM and 3MP.
Event details:
Carols By Headlights
Dromana Drive-in for three special nights 21, 22 and 23 December. Gates open at 6pm. Screening from 9pm – 11pm.
Covid safe practices will be in place.
This event is alcohol free.
Tickets are free, bookings essential https://www.trybooking.com/687402
For more details: mornpen.vic.gov.au/christmas
