Carols by Candlelight is an Australian Christmas tradition that originated in southeastern Australia in the 19th century and was popularised in Melbourne in the 1930s. The tradition has since spread around the world. It involves people gathering, usually outdoors in a park, to sing carols by candlelight, accompanied by a band. Today, the largest such event is held annually at the Sidney Myer Music Bowl in Melbourne's King's Domain Gardens on Christmas Eve, since 1938, 71 years.
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One of the earliest forms of Carols by Candlelight began in the 19th century, when Cornish Miners in Moonta, South Australia would gather on Christmas Eve to sing carols lit with candles stuck to the brims of their safety hats. The tradition spread through Victoria and Melbourne until it was popularised in 1938 by Norman Banks, a radio announcer then with Melbourne radio station 3KZ. Whilst walking home from his night-time radio shift on Christmas Eve in 1937, he passed a window and saw inside an elderly woman sitting up in bed, listening to Away in a Manger being played on the radio and singing along, with her face being lit by candlelight. Wondering how many others spent Christmas alone, he had the idea to gather a large group of people to all sing Christmas carols together by candlelight. The first ever such event was held in Alexandra Gardens the following Christmas, 1938, and was attended by around 10,000 people.
Following World War II, the Carols became so well patronised that the decision was made to move it to the neighbouring park in King's Domain. In 1959, the newly constructed Sidney Myer Music Bowl provided a permanent venue, where they are still held to this day. Funds raised from donations, ticket, and candle sales are given to Vision Australia (formerly the Royal Victorian Institute for the Blind, RVIB).
The program is broadcast live every Christmas Eve by the Nine Network from the Sidney Myer Music Bowl, Australia-wide. The event is also broadcast live to eastern Asia, many Pacific Islands and New Zealand. The event was hosted for 18 years by Ray Martin. Because of the arrangement the show often features Nine stars such as Hi-5.
| Years | Host(s) | Australian TV Network |
|---|---|---|
| 1980–1989 | Brian Naylor | Nine Network |
| 1990–2007 | Ray Martin | |
| 2008–present | Karl Stefanovic and Lisa Wilkinson |
Similar events are now held all over Australia, usually arranged by churches, municipal councils, or other community groups. They are normally held on Christmas Eve or the Sunday or weekend before Christmas.
One of the most notable is Carols in the Domain, held annually in Sydney.
In North Balwyn Carols in the Park is held annually. In 2011 it is in Macleay Park on Sunday 11th December. Formerly known as Carols by Candlelight it was held for 22 years in Leigh Park and has been drawing an estimated four to five thousand. The brass band Boroondara Brass leads the Carols with Balwyn Christian Singers. Santa, stunt motorcyclist David Russell, usually lands in on his motorcycle sleigh. Tim Blowfield, Committee, North Balwyn InterChurch Council 2011.
In Geelong, there is Denis Walter's Carols by the Bay held on the first Saturday of December. This is held at Eastern Beach. There is also Carols in the Park in Johnston Park on Christmas Eve.
In the City of Yarra a large Carols by Candlelight event has recently been held in the Abbotsford Convent gardens.
In the City of Manningham a large Carols by Candlelight event is held annually in Ruffey Lake Park.
In Sydney, Carols in the Domain (broadcast by the Seven Network) attracts high-profile international performers, and offers free tickets to the live event.
In Brisbane the Lord Mayor's Christmas Carols (Carols in the City) are held normally the first Saturday in December, at the Brisbane River Stage in the Brisbane City Botanic Gardens.
In Perth, Carols by Candlelight are held in mid December at the Supreme Court Gardens, while other events are held at Fremantle, Scarborough and Rockingham.
In Adelaide, Carols by Candlelight is held in the weeks before Christmas in Elder Park on the banks of the River Torrens.
In Newcastle, New South Wales, Carols by Candlelight are held in mid December, both at Speers Point Park on the edge of Lake Macquarie and at King Edward Park in the city near the beach.
In Hobart, due to the urban nature of the city, there are three main carols services. One each in Clarence, Glenorchy and the main ceremony in Sandown Park in Sandy Bay, Hobart itself.
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