[Cancelled] Carols by Candlelight

Carols main stage

Event details

Ruffey Lake Park
George Street
VIC 3108
Australia

Free

This is a smoke-free family event.  

Parking is limited so plan ahead.

We will update this webpage with event parking, drop off points and road closures.

Carols by Candlelight cancelled

UPDATE: With community safety as our top priority, we regret to inform you that tonight's Carols by Candlelight at Ruffey Lake Park has been cancelled due to forecasted high-risk weather conditions. 

Unpredictable winds reaching up to 90kms per hour and the possibility of thunderstorms present a significant risk to our wonderful Carols community. This tough decision has been made in consultation with Victoria Police and the State Emergency Service (SES). 

We wish everyone a safe and happy holiday season and hope to see you all again next year! Please be aware that, regrettably, we are unable to reschedule this event to a later date.

 

It's nearly showtime!

We can’t wait to see you this Friday at our biggest annual event!  Featuring local and national performers, fun activities and some of Melbourne's best food trucks, this event is entertaining for the whole family.

Grab a picnic rug and head down to Ruffey Lake Park to celebrate the festive season with us. 


Download your songbook now! 

Carols by Candlelight 2023 Songbook
Carols by Candlelight 2023 Songbook
10.03 MB
Download
download

Wet weather notice

We're closely monitoring the weather and at this stage Carols will proceed as planned! In the event of cancellation due to unsafe weather conditions, a notice will be posted on our website and social media channels.

Registered attendees will receive an email notification. 

We recommend that you come prepared in the event of wet weather, eg. bring ponchos and waterproof picnic rugs.  Where possible please refrain from using umbrellas as they will block the view for other patrons. 


Event schedule 

⏰ 6.00pm - Pre-show entertainment

Enjoy free activities and entertainment for the kids, including face painting, bauble decorating, Santa photos, give-aways, raffles and more.  Get the kids up dancing to Team Dream, one of Australia’s premier children’s acts and the Melbournaires Harmony Chorus.

⏰ 7.30pm - Main concert

Hosted by Lucy Holmes from 89.9 The Light and Richard Thomas, we have a stellar line-up featuring Tahlia Eve (Australian Idol), Sean Millis (The Voice Australia), and a mix of fabulous local talent.

Performers will be accompanied by The All-Star Carols band and the Manningham Concert Band.

⏰ 9.30pm - Fireworks finale 

The evening will finish with a spectacular fireworks finale. This display will run for approximately eight minutes. If you live in nearby streets, please secure your family pets in a safe, comfortable location or bring them into your house during the display.


On the day...

Please remember this is a smoke-free, family friendly event. 

You can visit the information tent for a free child’s wristband to write your contact details on and secure around your child’s wrist in case you and your child get separated.

First aid will be located next to the information tent.

To help minimise waste this festive season bring your own re-usable drink bottles to fill up at the free water station, and take rubbish with you.

This event will have a large screen, wheelchair access and Auslan interpreters.

What to bring

Please bring a torch, comfortable shoes, a picnic rug, a reusable water bottle, warm clothes and plenty of festive cheer!

Do not bring tents, marquees, glassware, fireworks or pyrotechnics of any type, and leave your pets at home, as the fireworks can cause distress to animals.

Seating

The lawn area is set on a natural amphitheatre with great viewing on picnic rugs. Fold up chairs can be used however there is a designated “picnic rugs only” zone close to the stage. Please make sure prams and chairs are positioned behind this area.

Food and drinks

Bring a picnic with you and dine on the grass or purchase dinner from one of the food stalls and trucks offering meals, coffee and snacks. Gluten-free and vegan options will be available.

Parking

Parking is limited. If you can, please walk, cycle, or be dropped off at the event. There is a dedicated drop off zone on George Street near The Boulevarde (park side for east bound traffic only).

Free event parking is available on King Street, with a short walk to the event area.

Accessible parking will be available via The Boulevarde, off George Street – please show your accessible parking permit to park there. See map below. 

Wheelchair access symbol and Auslan interpreter symbol

 

 

 

 

This event will have wheelchair access and Auslan interpreters.

Road closures

Parking restrictions will be in place on the streets surrounding Ruffey Lake Park to minimise disruption for local residents.
Road closures will affect the below streets from 4.00pm to 11.00pm on Friday 8 December.

  • Anarth Street
  • Astran Place
  • Bloom Street
  • Botanic Drive
  • Cantala Drive (including Pagoda Court and Leyte Close)
  • Church Road
  • Clancys Lane
  • Earl Street
  • McCallum Road
  • Miller Place
  • Roseland Grove
  • The Boulevarde

Thank you to our sponsors

logos for 89.9 light FM, Barry Plant, Silver Star Motors, Westfield Doncaster, Montessori Academy

For more information, please contact the Events team on 9840 9333 or at events@manningham.vic.gov.au