Father Simon from Forbes Catholic Church gave a Christmas message about the reason for the season. 

Forbes Town Band led the music, with new and returning guests – James and Ali McCleary, Matt Prow and Maddi Collits - providing a spectacular evening.

“All our singers were just wonderful,” Town Band conductor James Whalan said. “And we were very lucky to have Judy Prior return as our MC.”

And while Victoria Park – newly adorned with Christmas lights – would have been a wonderful venue, there were some benefits to being in the Town Hall due to the weekend’s wet weather.

“The hall was full, it was wonderful,” Mr Whalan said. “There were times I wished I could just turn away from the band and stand in awe – you could hear everybody singing and it was absolutely beautiful.”

Families spilled from carols into the park to see the lights.