A new family-friendly Christmas carols event will debut in Hobart’s north next month after organisers noticed young children were missing out on traditional evening festivities.
The Variety Kids Carols will kick off at 4pm on December 19 at Glenorchy’s Tolosa Park, giving families a chance to enjoy the fun before bedtime.
Variety Tasmania chief executive Mohammad Aldergham said the idea came after last year’s sold-out Variety Carols by Candlelight.
“Families with young kids were leaving early, so we decided this year to put on a Variety Kids Carols,” he said.
“It’s during the day, starts at 4pm, so kids can enjoy it before dinner and then they’d be back in time for bed really.”
Entry will be free for children under five, with other tickets $5 per person. All proceeds will go towards Variety’s programs supporting Tasmanian children.
Last year, the charity distributed more than $600,000 to help over 15,000 children across the state.
Performer John X said the Variety carols events had become a highlight of the local entertainment calendar, with artists volunteering their time despite ongoing financial pressures.
The event offers performers a rare chance to play before crowds of 3,000 to 4,000 people.
“We don’t make a lot of money, we don’t get funding, so it’s great to be able to support an organisation like Variety and the fine work that they do by putting on all the entertainment,” he said.
“It’s just a great community feeling and people seem to just love it every single year.”
Glenorchy mayor Sue Hickey said everyone was welcome.
“One of the most special things is being able to give back to the community,” she said.
“An event like this brings all sorts of people together and lots of little children and that is something that creates memories.”
