CAROLS BY CANDLELIGHT
Friday, December 24, 8pm AEDST, Nine Network / 9Now
That's just what the annual Carols by Candlelight from the Sidney Myer Music Bowl, Melbourne, will do.
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Host David Campbell says it's "exactly what Melbourne needs" as one of the world's most locked down cities in the wake of the pandemic.
Campbell and co-host Ally Langdon will introduce Channel 9's Carols family stalwarts including David Hobson, Silvie Paladino, Anthony Callea, Tim Campbell, Denis Walter, Rob Mills, Bonnie Anderson, Isaiah Firebrace, Dami Im, Lucy Durack and Casey Donovan.
The rousing notes of the Melboune Gospel Choir and the Australian Girls and National Boys choirs are always moving, and will be once again lead by musical director John Foreman, AM, assisted by Vision Australia's Carols by Candlelight choirmaster Doug Heywood, OAM.
Among the special guests are the casts from Hamilton, Moulin Rouge and Frozen, Tones and I - and of course, the jolly fellow in the red suit.
Langdon and Campbell present Carols By Candlelight for the second time, having worked together on Weekend Today and on Today when Campbell fills in for Karl Stefanovic.
"We're always singing and dancing on the side of the stage," Campbell says. "We are right by the orchestra and the choir. We can look out and see everyone singing along and waving their candles, I love that."
The event raises money for Vision Australia and celebrates its 84th year in 2021.
"It's such an important charity. Christmas is about giving and Vision Australia make sure the community are being looked after year round. I've seen how it can help. So on this one night of the year, we get to do our bit for them."
Campbell says he went to bed early on Christmas Eve as a child so he didn't get to watch Carols, but his whole family love the season.
"We have different memories over the years with the kids. They decorated the Christmas tree themselves this year, we just supervised from the sides.
"Each year we add a few new ornaments. They can start a conversation even if the kids were too young to remember an occasion where we got one.
On December 1, we start decorating and playing Christmas songs. They (children Leo, Betty and Billy) would start in July if we let them.
Of course Campbell loves Christmas songs.
"I've got the Campbell family playlist, it's up to 175 and I add a few each year - it's up to nine hours now, I think. It's hard to pick a favourite.
"This Christmas, so far, I think my favourite is Angels We Have Heard on High. I look forward to hearing Marina Prior sing that at Carols."