Big line-up of 60 performers and Australian Idol stars to sing at Redlands family carols event

The X Factor’s Isaiah Firebrace, Australian Idol’s Damien Leith and winner of The Voice Kids 2014 Alexa Curtis headline a cast of local and national artists under the baton of musical director John Foreman.

The Redlands’ biggest free family Christmas event returns to Norm Price Park – Redland Showgrounds with an expanded program for children.

Redland City council mayor Karen Williams said the event – to be co-hosted by Channel 7 personalities Luke Kennedy and Jessica Skarratt – had developed a reputation as among the best free community Christmas concerts in Queensland.

“We are expecting more than 10,000 people to set up their chairs and blankets at the showgrounds for a top-shelf show featuring internationally acclaimed singers and some incredible local talent,’’ Cr Williams said.

“There will be more kids’ activities this year with the introduction of the Starlight Express, a trackless train that will shuttle guests around the event. The much-loved animal farm will return, along with Starlight’s usual face painting, jumping castles and rock climbing wall.

“All rides are free and will run from 3pm to 8pm.

“The Redland Museum will also be open with a display of vintage toys in ‘Santa’s workshop’, so head over to see what your grandparents found under their Christmas trees.’’

The event will also have food stalls and, from 5pm, a special children’s Christmas show.

Dazzling lighting effects will beam across the showgrounds from 6pm, with a spectacular fireworks finale to light up the sky from about 8pm.

Free shuttle buses will head to the event from stops throughout the city, with return services from 8.20pm (details at www.redland.qld.gov.au/cbs).

Cr Williams said that while entry was free, people would have the opportunity to make a gold coin donation to support programs combatting domestic and family violence in the Redlands if they wished.

“During the evening you will see our very special band of volunteers in their blue shirts collecting for a most worthy cause – to assist Redlanders affected by domestic and family violence. If you can, a gold coin donation would be much appreciated by those in real need of some support and cheer.”

The show will also feature:Singer-songwriter couple and X Factor

·       Singer-songwriter couple and X Factor finalists Jess Dunbar and Matt Price;

·       Jazz, soul and blues singer Angela Fabian;

·       Internationally acclaimed Polo, a former member of the phenomenal US a capella beat-boxing group, Naturally 7;

·       The Voice Australia finalist Ellen Reed;

·       Folk/indie/rock/pop band The Fergies; and

·       Acclaimed Redlands singer-songwriter Dakota Striplin, who has just wowed US audiences in the semi-finals of America’s Got Talent.

The exceptional home-grown talent also includes dancers from Rockit Productions, vocalists from Vocal Manoeuvres Academy, as well as outstanding local artists including Scott Muller, Craig Martin, Leah Lever, Jeremy Saywell, Shannon Robinson and  Jacqueline Duckworth.

Check www.redland.qld.gov.au/cbs for more information and updates.