Speers Point Park comes alive with carols

Published on 13 December 2021

Thousands of Yuletide revellers descended on Speers Point Park on Sunday for the first Lake Mac Carols since 2019.

With local country music star Kirsty Lee Akers headlining, Santa jetting in by plane for a surprise visit and the weather gods finally doing locals a favour, there was plenty to celebrate throughout the evening.

Lake Macquarie Mayor Kay Fraser, who officially opened the event, said it was good to see so many smiling faces in one place again after the COVID lockdowns.

“I know a lot of people were disappointed when we had to cancel last year’s carols, so having the opportunity to host them this year is both a relief and a thrill,” she said.

The main stage attracted the biggest audience, but for the first time a second stage also operated – in the new Multi-Arts Pavilion (MAP) mima at the other end of Speers Point Park.

MAP Curator Pippa Budge said the event showcased the versatility of the new MAP venue.

“There are so many ways we can use the canvas of the building to bring cheer and illumination to the park,” she said.

“This year’s carols are the start of a very exciting new chapter for Speers Point Park, and I think we’ll see MAP mima become a key part of the celebration in years to come.”

Other highlights of the evening included performances by Hi-5 founding member Tim Harding’s, former The Voice finalist Kylie Jane and the Australian Dance and Talent Centre.