The high school will entertain the town for the 28th consecutive year on Wednesday evening, December 12 – and is planning for another big turn out with approximately 3000 people expected to attend.

It’s once again set to be an incredible spectacle with raffles, art displays, a St Vincent de Paul gift stall, a visit from the Rural Fire Service, Santa and even a car show.

And, there will, of course, be plenty of food and drinks on hand through coffee, lolly, cheese, chocolate, barbeque, sweets and Indian stalls planned to make sure no-one will go hungry on the night.

Teacher Leo Walsh said the students’ commitment to the event is a clear indication of how much they appreciate being involved.

“They keep coming back every year and really it’s their pageant and the absentee rate is very low because they come along and support it and enjoy it,” he said.

That point was reiterated by the pupils themselves, who revealed why they jump at to opportunity to take part in the various performances that headline the event.

“It’s so much fun, and it’s just great to see the way the community comes together for it every year,” Year 9 student Hannah Smith said.

The kids perform Christmas carols in the first two years as part of their choir duties, but choose to be involved after that, and Ella Caban said it’s an easy choice.

“We do [grade] 7 and 8 choir but we decided to go it again this year because it’s just good fun,” she said.

When asked why she believed the pageant had lasted so long, fellow student Aneira Bray said it had just become a staple on the Aberdeen calendar.

“It’s just so much fun and everyone keeps on coming because it’s a day in the community that everybody looks forward to, so we just keep on doing it,” she said.

It certainly is a highlight for not just Aberdeen, but the entire Upper Hunter region, as all the colour, noise and cheer associated with Christmas comes out in one magical night.

Gates open at 5.30pm with the pre-pageant student acts kicking off at 6pm.

Entry is $2 per person or $5 for a family.