The carolling kicks off on Saturday at Christmas on the Bay on the Caroline Bay Soundshell, with the lead act for this year’s show, Jackie Clarke, again preparing to wow Timaru audiences.
She will be performing alongside a number of new local acts getting to perform on stage for the first time after getting through video auditions earlier in the year.
McCain Foods has become the naming rights sponsor for this year’s event, which is organised by Presbyterian Support South Canterbury (PSSC).
PSSC chief executive Carolyn Cooper said the organisation was thrilled to have the company on board.
"In a financially tough year for everyone it is a wonderful example of community spirit, and we are incredibly grateful for this support from McCain Foods."
Event manager Leola Wilson said they were excited to have Jackie Clarke back in Timaru, and families could also expect Santa, food vendors, face painting and a giant lolly scramble at the end of the concert.
Christmas on the Bay will begin at 5pm.
Entry will be by gold coin, with money raised going to the PSSC Family Works Counselling service, which was affected by funding cuts earlier in the year.
On Monday, the singing moves to Timaru Hospital for the annual carolling around the building.
Hospital chaplain Alan Cumming said when he took on the role 12 years ago, he was told the carol singing event was one job he had to make sure he did well.
People of all ages are welcome to gather in the hospital chapel at 6.30pm, and from about 7pm, singers will begin moving around the hospital, singing as they go.
"We wend our way through the whole building, singing around the wards, which are all decorated.
"Patients love it, family members love it, and nurses love it.
"It’s a great night.
"I go around the next day, and people say, ‘oh, that was wonderful last night’."
The evening concludes with a supper in the chapel at 8.30pm.
"It’s a fun night, it’s community carols, so we’re not looking for choristers, it’s just a good old sing-a-long, bringing a bit of joy."
On Thursday, the Timaru Christian Ministers Association is hosting a community carols event at the band rotunda in the Timaru Botanic Gardens, at 7pm.
With its roots in the carols by candlelight event, held in earlier years in the gardens and then the Theatre Royal, this will be the third year the ministers association has organised the event.
All are welcome to join the Timaru Alpine Energy Brass Band, and St Mary’s Church junior and adult choirs — and the newly-formed youth choir — for an hour of carol singing.
If it is wet, the event will be held in Trinity Hall in College Rd, Timaru.
