More than 25,000 people celebrated Christmas with a mix of traditional carols and modern classics at the Lake Mac Carols at Speers Point Park on Sunday.
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Glorious weather, a stellar line-up of performers that included award-winning artists Thirsty Merc and Damien Leith, and the promise of a spectacular fireworks finale drew record numbers to the annual event.
Lake Macquarie City Council’s cultural services manager Jacqui Hemsley said that with such great weather, the event was unmissable.
“It’s wonderful to see people of all ages and backgrounds coming together, enjoying themselves with family and friends,” Ms Hemsley said.
While the carols started at 6pm, Speers Point Park started filling up hours before. Many families dressed up for the occasion, with reindeer- and Santa-themed costumes the go-to ensemble.
An afternoon children’s Christmas movie, free kids’ zone, live performances by local singers and dancers, and a popular food truck alley all got the party going well before sunset.
Recognising his country of origin, Damien Leith included some traditional Irish Christmas music in his playlist.
Rock band Thirsty Merc finished their festive set aptly with their hit song In The Summertime.
Then, as all of the night’s performers came together to sing on stage, 25,000 heads turned skywards to watch one of Lake Macquarie’s largest annual fireworks displays.
A NSW Police spokesman said the crowd was “overwhelmingly well-behaved”, with only a few “very minor” issues.