Christmas by Starlight, the Redlands’ biggest free family event, returns to Cleveland on Saturday 16 December 2017 with a showcase of local stars among a stellar line-up of acclaimed performers.
Redland City Mayor Karen Williams said this year’s community Christmas celebration, from 3pm at Cleveland’s Norm Price Park – Redland Showgrounds, included arguably the best line-up of top-class local talent ever assembled on the one stage.
“Australian Idol’s Damien Leith and X Factor’s Isaiah Firebrace headline an awesome cast which includes sensational local talents Alexa Curtis, winner of The Voice Kids 2014, and America’s Got Talent finalist Dakota Striplin under the baton of the acclaimed musical director John Foreman,’’ Cr Williams said.
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“Alexa and Dakota are among more than 60 local artists, with exceptional Redland talents Jacqueline Duckworth, Jeremy Saywell, Leah Lever, Scott Muller and Craig Martin also performing.
“The wealth of local talent also includes the members of ROCKIT Productions, Redland City Bands, Redland Rhapsody Chorus and the Vocal Manoeuvres Academy.
“To have so many highly talented young Redlands artists performing in the one concert is a rarity and something well worth seeing. You would be hard pressed to find such a great line-up for free anywhere.
“It is no wonder that Starlight, which will be co-hosted by Channel 7 personalities Luke Kennedy and Jessica Skarratt, has a reputation as among the best free community Christmas concerts in Queensland.’’
This year there will be an expanded program of children’s entertainment along with the introduction of the Starlight Express, a trackless train that will shuttle guests around the event. The much-loved animal farm will return, along with Starlight’s usual face painting, jumping castles and rock climbing wall. The Redland Museum will also present a free display of vintage toys in “Santa’s workshop”.
All rides are also free and will run from 3pm to 8pm.
Free shuttle buses will head to the event from stops throughout the City, with return services from 8.20pm (details at www.redland.qld.gov.au/cbs).
The event will also boast plenty of food stalls and, from 5pm, a special children’s Christmas show. The main event and its dazzling lighting effects will beam across the showgrounds
from 6pm, with a spectacular fireworks finale to light up the sky from about 8:15pm.
Cr Williams said that while entry was free, a gold coin donation would be appreciated to support programs combatting domestic and family violence in the Redlands.
“Our band of volunteers in their blue shirts will be collecting donations to help Redlanders affected by domestic and family violence so, if you can, a donation would be much appreciated,’’ Cr Williams said. “No matter how small, it will go a long way to providing some cheer for those in real need of support at this time of year.”
Other highlights will include:
- Singer-songwriter couple and X Factor finalists Jess Dunbar and Matt Price;
- Jazz, soul and blues singer Angela Fabian;
- Internationally acclaimed Polo, a former member of the phenomenal US a capella beat-boxing group, Naturally 7;
- The Voice Australia finalist Ellen Reed; and
- Folk/indie/rock/pop band The Fergies.
Check www.redland.qld.gov.au/cbs for more information and updates.
