The grounds of the Westbury Village Green will again come alive with festive cheer on Sunday, 14 December, as the Combined Churches of Westbury, with support from Meander Valley Council, present Carols on the Green.
After several years away, the event made a well-received return last year, drawing around 300 people who enjoyed the relaxed picnic setting and community atmosphere. This year promises to build on that success, with an evening of music, food, and family fun.
Letter to the Editor
Festivities begin at 5.30 pm, with the Westbury Lions Club firing up the barbecue and offering sausages, hamburgers, and cold drinks. The Sailor Food Truck and Coffee Van will also be on-site for those wanting a hot meal or a caffeine fix before the singing begins.
The main event kicks off at about 6.30 pm, with the Deloraine Big Band returning to lead the carols. Their instrumental talent and enthusiastic lead singers will once again set the tone for an evening of singalongs and community spirit. Westbury Primary School students will take to the stage to perform their own collection of songs, adding youthful energy and joy to the night.
The North Coast Post: BSB 633 000 · Account number: 2366 8 9535
It’s this local involvement that makes the carols so special. “It’s really a community effort,” Combined Churches of Westbury committee member Rob Menzie says. “The churches, service clubs, and local families all come together to make it happen.”
Councillor Ben Dudman will serve as MC, keeping the evening flowing between performances and community moments. Father Ben Brooks will deliver a Christmas message, and Santa himself is expected to make an appearance, bearing small treats for the children.
Limited seating will be available on the Green, though attendees are encouraged to bring their own picnic rugs or chairs to settle in under the early summer evening sky. Designated disabled parking will be provided, and if the weather turns wet, the event will move indoors to the Westbury Town Hall.
Organisers have kept the event family-friendly and alcohol-free, ensuring it remains a relaxed and inclusive celebration that captures the true spirit of Christmas.
Behind the scenes, the Combined Churches of Westbury Committee has been hard at work planning the 2025 edition of Carols on the Green. Following last year’s success, the committee applied for a Meander Valley Council grant to help with costs, including hiring the Deloraine Big Band, printing, advertising, and the purchase of flame-free candles and children’s gifts.
Those interested in learning more or joining next year’s organising committee can contact community@mvc.tas.gov.au.
