Ongoing COVID restrictions will not dampen the local Christmas spirit as the committee behind the Blue Lake Carols has committed to a modified format again for the 2021 event.

Following the success of the live-streamed performance last year, the Blue Lake Carols will be broadcast from the Sir Robert Helpmann Theatre on Sunday, December 13 from 7.30pm.

The event will be streamed on Facebook and YouTube, with radio 5GTR FM also providing an audio broadcast.

Performers for this year’s event include Phoenix Choir, Alison Newman and Emma Anderson, Scott Maxwell, Fiona Unger, Gabriel Strachan, Jordanna Jones, Trish Thompson, Tamara Seeley, Ben Hood, Lilli Fulwood and Gajanan Frost.

Returning event emcee Danni Reade said she was looking forward to the event.

“Even though performing to cameras in an empty theatre does not provide the same thrill as standing in-front of 5000 people at the Mount Gambier Rail Lands, broadcasting the carols in this format allows us to showcase both our amazing local talent and our vibrant, innovative community to a world-wide audience,” she said.

“With the ongoing uncertainty around restrictions, especially those regarding public singing and masks, it was going to be too much of a risk to plan an event of this scale that could be cancelled at the last minute.”

The Blue Lake Carols committee is encouraging families and friends to get together, wherever they may be throughout the Limestone Coast and create a viewing party in their lounge rooms, backyards or under the pergola.

The Blue Lake Carols have been a staple of the local community event calendar for the last 74 years, helping to raise funds for the City of Mount Gambier Mayor’s Christmas Appeal and bringing the community together to celebrate the joy of the season.

The 2020 performance has had more than 8000 combined streams across Facebook and YouTube equating to a viewing audience of more than 20,000 people.