Christmas carols will ring out across Mount Gambier this weekend, as the much-anticipated Blue Lake Carols returns in the lead up to Christmas.


The 76th installment of the Blue Lake Carols will see thousands of community members flock to the Mount Gambier Railway Lands on Sunday from 7.30pm.


This year’s performers include local musician Dave Blackett and returning musical prodigy Gabriel Strachan.


Blackett and Strachan will perform solos and a duet at the Blue Lake Carols and there will also be performances from high school students, the Limestone Coast Symphony Orchestra String Ensemble and the Salvation Army Brass Ensemble.


“There are lots of different things this year but lots to look forward to,” Blue Lake Carols musical director Trish Bruggemann said.


“We did not want to do too many things the same so there are a few little differences here and there just to keep the community engaged.


“It is not too predictable but we are also keeping it familiar enough so that everybody can enjoy it.


“Everybody in the community is looking forward to the opportunity to sing some carols with their family and friends.”


The beloved musical offering moved to its current venue several years ago after outgrowing the Cave Gardens.


Event coordinator Rudy Furlong said it was the event’s second year after COVID restrictions, which has community members excited, weather permitting.


“I think people should come along to celebrate family and the birth of Jesus and it is a great community and family-centric event,” he said.


Electric candles will be on sale and there will be food and coffee vans and face painting, balloon animals and hair braiding for the children.


For those who cannot attend, the event will be livestreamed by Blue Lake Carols on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube and broadcasted live by 5GTR.


This year’s carols has been made possible by sponsorship from silver sponsor Crossmuller and bronze sponsor Atkins Health Centre.