General News
11 December, 2025
Carols delight a big crowd
Carols on the Castlereagh once again brought the Gilgandra community together on Sunday, December 8, as families and visitors filled the lawns of the Coo-ee Heritage Centre for the annual celebration of Christmas.
Presented by the Combined Christian Churches of Gilgandra, the event began from 5pm, with carols starting after 6pm as the audience settled into the relaxed riverside setting.
This year’s event attracted at least 350 people, continuing the upward trend of community participation. Families enjoyed a free barbecue or brought their own picnics, with many arriving equipped with chairs and aeroguard for the outdoor evening.
As in previous years, the program blended traditional carol singing with children’s activities and interactive elements. Young attendees enjoyed patting sheep, dressing up in the nativity scene, and taking part in craft and painting activities. Treats were again a highlight, with children lining up for snacks, chips and Zooper Doopers throughout the evening. One of the more popular ‘immersion events’ this year was the “cleaning of the stable” - which was very popular with the children (mostly due to the lolly rewards).
Musical performances from Gilgandra’s Christian churches formed the backbone of the evening’s program, with contributions from the Coo-ee Choir and students from Gilgandra Public School and St Joseph’s School. The Presbyterian Puppet Show made a lively return, with a variety of puppets entertaining the crowd and drawing laughter from children.
Throughout the program, MC Stuart Border guided the audience through the evening. Between the carols, he told the Christmas story, supported by the nativity scene performers who helped bring key moments of the narrative to life. His storytelling threaded the musical items together and served as a reminder of the message at the heart of the celebration.
The riverside grounds of the Coo-ee Heritage Centre provided a picturesque backdrop, offering shade and plenty of room for families to spread out. Conditions remained favourable, allowing the full program to proceed outdoors. Carols on the Castlereagh continued to strengthen its place as a meaningful annual gathering in Gilgandra’s festive calendar. The event offered not only music and entertainment but also a sense of togetherness, reflection and shared celebration. Its emphasis on community participation, especially among children, contributed to an inclusive and joyful atmosphere. The 2025 Carols on the Castlereagh proved another memorable evening on the riverbank, celebrating tradition, creativity and the spirit of Christmas. With strong attendance and a warm community atmosphere, the event once again marked the season with harmony and heart.
