Christmas by Starlight returns to Cleveland on Saturday, December 16 with a showcase of local stars among a stellar line-up of acclaimed performers.
Christmas by Starlight is Redlands’ largest free event and will be staged from 3pm to 8.30pm at the Norm Price Park, Cleveland Showgrounds.
Local artists include winner of The Voice Kids 2014 Alexa Curtis and America’s Got Talent finalist Dakota Striplin, Scott Muller, Craig Martin, Jacqueline Duckworth, Jeremy Saywell and Leah Lever. There will also be members of ROCKIT Productions, Redland City Bands, Redland Rhapsody Chorus and the Vocal Manoeuvres Academy.
Redland City Mayor Karen Williams said the celebration included arguably the best line-up of top-class local and national talent ever assembled on the one stage.
“To have so many highly talented young Redlands artists performing in the one concert is a rarity and something well worth seeing. You would be hard pressed to find such a great line-up for free anywhere,” Cr Williams said.
Headline acts are Australian Idol’s Damien Leith and X Factor’s Isaiah Firebrace under the baton of the acclaimed musical director John Foreman. Other highlights include 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 and folk/indie/rock/pop band The Fergies.
“It is no wonder that Starlight, which will be co-hosted by Channel 7 personalities Luke Kennedy and Jessica Skarratt, has a reputation as among the best free community Christmas concerts in Queensland.’’
This year there will be an expanded program of children’s entertainment along with the introduction of the Starlight Express, a trackless train that will shuttle guests around the event. The animal farm will return, along with Starlight’s usual face painting, jumping castles and rock climbing wall. The Redland Museum will also present a free display of vintage toys in its Santa’s workshop.
All rides are free and will run from 3pm to 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).
The event will also boast plenty of food stalls and a special children’s Christmas show from 5pm. The fireworks finale is scheduled for 8:15pm.
Cr Williams said that while entry was free, a gold coin donation would be appreciated to support programs combatting domestic and family violence in the Redlands.
“Our band of volunteers in their blue shirts will be collecting donations to help Redlanders affected by domestic and family violence so, if you can, a donation would be much appreciated. No matter how small, it will go a long way to providing some cheer for those in real need of support at this time of year,” Cr Williams said.
More on.redland.qld.gov.au/cbs