Ten years of Christmas cheer

Bacchus Marsh Christmas Festival is celebrating its 10th anniversary. Among those who will be there are mum Sarah Barnewall and son Liam (4) and mum Gin Edgar and baby Baylen (1), with Santa. (Damjan Janevski). 448117_04

As the warm nights settle in, Bacchus Marsh is feeling the Christmas joy.

Bacchus Marsh’s annual Christmas Festival is right around the corner with big things planned as the event celebrates its 10 year anniversary.

Christmas Festival vice president Emma Dwyer said the team wouldn’t be able to continue delivering the festival for 10 years without the support of the community and dedicated volunteers.

“We’re very, very lucky,” she said.

“We’ve got great community support and a great volunteer team behind us, and noting that we’re always looking for extra volunteers to join our committee.”

Christmas Festival chairperson Daniel Webb said the committee has a “crazy set” prepared for the festival.

Kicking off with local talents on the main stage on Saturday, December 14 at 3pm, then a screening of the Christmas movie classic, Elf.

Throughout the day, activities for kids are available such as arts and crafts, kiddie rides, and writing letters to Santa.

Of course, the free yearly gingerbread activity is also something not to miss.

“Children come and decorate their own gingerbread man,“ Ms Dwyer said.

There will also be characters coming in for the kids to meet and greet.

“We confirmed that they are coming,” Ms Dwyer said.

“It’s a secret mystery though.”

And Santa won’t be coming alone to this year’s festival.

“We’re very lucky we got Mrs Claus this year too,” Ms Dwyer said.

This year also features a market with over 90 local vendors.

“We’ve also got a food park area for the afternoon dinner for people to come down and have a feed,” Mr Webb said.

“We’re also encouraging the idea of a family picnic, and family quality time to celebrate Christmas.

“Just have a simple picnic with the family, enjoying some great local talent.”

As the night settles, Carols by Candlelight will set the mood after dark.

The night finishes with a fireworks display at 9pm for the whole family to enjoy.

Faith Macale