Sensational songstress Casey Donovan will headline a stellar line-up of performers at Redlands Coast’s premier free family carols event, Christmas by Starlight, on Saturday 15 December at Cleveland’s Norm Price Park – Redland Showground.

Donovan, one of Australia’s most versatile indigenous entertainers, will feature alongside outstanding Brazilian soprano Carmen Monarcha and the awe-inspiring Luke Antony of The Voice fame.

This year’s cast is loaded with local talent, including Redlands Coast’s Alexa Curtis who represented Australia at the Junior Eurovision Song Contest. The show will again be under the baton of internationally acclaimed musical director John Foreman OAM and will also feature:

Local rising stars Scott Muller, Craig Martin, Leah Lever and Jacqueline Duckworth; Redlands Coast’s ROCKIT Productions, Vocal Manoeuvres Academy, Yulu Burri Ba Dancers, Redland Dance and Redland City Bands; Performances by Emma Pask, Chukele Afro/Cuban Ensemble, Ellen Reed, Renae Suttie; and Skye Parker

Redland City Mayor Karen Williams said she was excited by the exceptional national and local talent that would be on show following recent auditions.

“Christmas by Starlight has the reputation as one of the best free family Christmas events you will find anywhere, with more than 10,000 people expected to set up their chairs and blankets under the stars to sing along and wait for the arrival of Santa,” Cr Williams said.

“Besides the awesome line-up, there will be a tonne of fun available for families, including the return of the Starlight Express, a trackless train that will shuttle guests around the event, free face painting and plenty of the kids’ favourites to keep them busy. You will also get free access to Santa’s workshop at the Redland Museum.”

Hosted by Redland City Council, Christmas by Starlight will kick off at 3pm, with all rides free until 8pm. The main event will beam across the showgrounds from 6pm, with a spectacular fireworks finale to light up the sky from about 8.15pm.

While entry is free, people will have the opportunity to make a gold coin donation to support programs combatting domestic and family violence in Redlands Coast if they wish.

“During the evening you will see our special band of volunteers collecting for this most worthy cause so, if you can, please consider a gold coin donation to provide some much-needed support and cheer,” Cr Williams said.

“There also will be a variety of food, drink and merchandise stalls but remember that Christmas by Starlight is an alcohol-free event.”

Event parking will be available or you can travel by bus or train for free on selected routes. Visit Council’s website to register for your free Translink bus or train tickets and for Christmas by Starlight updates including the line-up, what to bring and further details on the free transport options.

Christmas by Starlight is proudly supported by event partner Event Manoeuvres and sponsors Redland City Bulletin, Lendlease, M2 Electrical, Alex Gow Funerals, Darwalla Group, Energex, Gadens, Lee’s Environmental, JJ Richards & Sons, Mr Fireworks, Cleveland District SHS and Redland Museum.

For more information, visit the Christmas by Starlight page on our website.