The Sisters and Misters choir were a huge hit on the night.
Young River Boyack, perched safely on his mother Casey Cleeland’s knee, was mesmerised by the magnificent fireworks display that ended the hugely successful carols event on the foreshore on Tuesday night.
A huge crowd gathered on the foreshore for the community’s Christmas Carols and fireworks event.
Enjoying the free family entertainment are young locals Byron and Harley Griffin and Asha and Echo Stanley.
The Phillip Island Combined Churches group took family photos for crowd members who would like one. Looking impressive in their Christmas costumes were helpers Grace Clarke, Chris Wolf and Tameika Schwartz-Kupe.
The Cowes CWA Twilight branch manned a stall packed with delicious homemade Christmas cakes and goodies at the carols event.
The Star of the Sea gave a great performance, singing well known Christmas Carols.
Tuppy and Clarry Cleeland enjoying the carols event with daughter Casey and young grandson River.
Enjoying the balmy summer evening on the Cowes foreshore last Tuesday night are local students from left Ella Marshall, Tahlin Lindley, Summer Crestani, Georgia Anderson, Michaela Richardson, Niamh O’Connell, Ruby Taylor and Noah Anderson.
Carols by Candlelight MC Natasha Crestani and Bendigo Bank’s Vanessa Verzaci preparing for the event.
Local teenagers from left Joshua Clarke, Roberto Branco, Mike, Connor MacMillan and Chase Caldwell at the carols event.
It was a magic night on the Cowes foreshore for Jill Sands and littlies Jones Koumba and Gabriel Bell.
Some of the members of the Sisters and Misters choir which performed on the night: Front from left Helen-Ann Kennedy, Jane De Little and Marilyn Lynch. Back from left Maria Kirwan, Bev Watson, Kay Foster and Mary Taylor.
Face painter Lauren Kenny’s first customer was daughter Cleo.
A visit by Santa was a highlight of the carols event for local youngsters Cassidy and Bryce Neely and Raegan Lucas.
A crowd in the thousands turned out in perfect weather conditions for last week’s Carols by the Bay.
The night culminated in a brilliant fireworks display, sponsored by Bass Coast Shire Council, which many described as the “best ever”.
A crowd in the thousands turned out in perfect weather conditions for last week’s Carols by the Bay family night and entertainment on the Cowes foreshore.
Organised by Island Voice, the children enjoyed entertainment and free rides, face painting, magician and animal farm, as well as a visit from Santa.
This was followed by carol singing led from the main stage by many local groups and two school choirs with the grand finale a magnificent fireworks display sponsored by the Bass Coast Shire Council.
Island Voice president Peter Paul said he could not be happier with the turnout event on the night.
“What a magnificent evening the Weather Gods delivered for our Carols By The Bay, in an equally magnificent setting,” he said.
“The Carols Committee were extremely relieved to see the sun shine and the winds disappearing, enabling the program to be completed uninterrupted.”
He said the entire event was possible due to fantastic support from sponsors and local businesses.
“The Carols can only happen with wonderful sponsorship. A huge thank you to our three major sponsors, Phillip Island RSL, Cowes Bendigo Community Bank, and the Bass Coast Shire.
“We were also supported by Westernport Water, the Advertiser, Archisign, Phillip Island Rotary, Panny’s, North Pier, and COG Audio Visual,” Peter said.
“Back in February the voluntary Island Voice Carols Committee commenced planning, plus fundraising for the children’s rides, and were well rewarded with all the happy smiling faces throughout the evening.
“We thank all those helpers who contributed to the evening’s success.”
Peter urged everyone to respond to a survey being undertaken by the council regarding the future of fireworks through its Engage Bass Coast website.
“A number of years ago, there was much discussion from the community requesting the fireworks be moved from midnight New Years Eve to the Carols night at 9.30pm.
“The fireworks is an intrinsic part of the Carols evening, and is a joyous end to a wonderful local community evening.
“Island Voice and many others believe it should stay that way – a free family event from start to finish.
“Please take a moment to complete the survey online at engage.basscoast.vic.gov.au/eoycelebrations
“New Year's Eve and the Carols are entirely separate and different events. Please add your own comments to the survey,” he urged.
