A warm, slightly breezy Sunday evening at Fly Point greeted the Bay for Fly Point’s Traditional Christmas Carols.

“Carols at Fly Point has become such a family tradition and social experience,” Emmi De-Vries of Corlette, told News Of The Area.

“We moved here five years ago and knew no one, now, five years later, and it’s like one big family get together,” she said.

Her daughter, nine-year-old Anique De-Vries, performed twice, once with St Philip’s Choir and a solo rendition of I want a Hippopotamus for Christmas.

After her solo performance, Antique said, “I was so surprised when I was told I would be doing a solo; I was so nervous before my performance and when on the stage, I still feel, wow, I just did that, I love everything about Carols night.”

Kira De-Vries, seven, said, “I love the fireworks, Santa and just everything!”

Katrin Eriksson of Shoal Bay said, “Ever since moving to the Bay, this has become a family tradition for us, it signifies the start of Christmas in our home and reminds us it’s the birth of our Lord and Saviour.”

Kayla Gorman, 10, said, “I like the singing, when Santa comes and how all of the schools get involved and of course remembering the birth of Jesus.”

Food vendors, face painting and the message of love, joy and Jesus was here there and everywhere.

There was also an acknowledgement for those who struggle during this festive time, those who may have lost a loved one, or find themselves in financial hardship and unable to meet the expectations portrayed through the media, and also for those who are socially isolated and alone.

Perhaps we can extend a hand of community and invite those we know who are struggling into our homes and festivities?

The event was incident free, a testament to our wonderful community.

Of course, it would not be carols if we did not have a sleeping baby in their parent’s loving arms, so here is Wade Banks with baby April who is 12-months-old.

A safe and merry Christmas to you all.

By Mandy ELLIS