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YMCA Carols by Candlelight In 68th Year
YMCA Carols by Candlelight In 68th Year
The YMCA of Christchurch has hosted the iconic Carols By Candlelight event on Christmas Eve in Christchurch for 68 years. The event is held in Latimer Square between 9pm and 10pm, and attracts families and tourists and everything in between. It is free to the community.
This YMCA event has always been about celebrating family and family values in a way which is true to the traditional Christmas. It is a humble and down-to-earth event that has resisted commercialization and remained focused on the purpose: to encourage family togetherness, and the true spirit of Christmas.
The YMCA of Christchurch started this event to promote community togetherness. In honour of the YMCA’s history of providing for others in a cost-free, meaningful way to help build strength and rejoice in the spirit of fellowship and family. The event is financially underwritten by the YMCA although it would not be possible without huge voluntary input and some funding from the Christchurch City Council, the Elizabeth Ball Charitable Trust and the Lion Foundation. Without this support the event would not be possible.
Conducted by Andrew Withington, the Salvation Army Band will provide the perfect musical accompaniment to soloist Jared Holt and the adult and children combined choirs, who have been in training for many weeks leading up to this magical evening of Christmas celebration under the leadership and direction of choralist Jean Despite the huge changes our city has seen in the past few years, this event has continued with the same format and the same purpose. Traditional carols are interspersed with a few more well known carols for the kids. Candles and glow sticks are on sale and the thousands of flickering lights on the grass makes for a really magical occasion. People come to join in and sing, or relax back and listen to the performers while soaking in the Christmas Eve atmosphere.
“It’s a great way to avoid Christmas Eve mayhem at home – for families, tourists, and everyone inbetween – this is one of those events which really makes a Southern Hemisphere Christmas feel special and to get into the Christmas spirit after the mad rush of December.” Said Josie Ogden Schroeder, CEO of the YMCA.
ends
YMCA
Building strong kids, strong families and strong communities
The Y has been in New Zealand for over 168 years, building strong kids, strong families and strong communities. There are 48 Y centres across New Zealand.
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