Carols by Candlelight is on in Victoria Park this Saturday and there’s a couple of special treats for the kids.

The jolly man in red has promised his attendance and will be available for photos, and the mobile Cold Rock Ice Cream van is coming too! 

Preparations for the annual Carols by Candlelight event are in full swing and organisers from the Forbes Town Band are encouraging everyone to come on down to the park on Saturday evening and join in the fun.

The event has been switched to a Saturday night, committee chair Jenelle Toole said, especially so families aren’t under so much pressure to get up for school in the morning. 

It all gets underway about 6.30pm, when the Town Band strikes up, the Lions fire up the barbecue and Santa will start hearing children’s Christmas wishes.

“Santa Claus has been in contact and he is fitting our event into his very busy schedule,” Mrs Toole said. 

There won’t be a professional photographer, families are encouraged to bring their cameras or phones and take their own photos between 6.30 and 8pm.

All that’s asked for is a gold coin donation towards the Town Band.

The formal carols and singing starts as the sun goes down at 8pm. 

Special guests leading this year’s carols include James and Ally McCleary; Emily Pavey, Leonie Burton, and Jo Stephenson; James Whalan and Hannah Nixon.

Glow candles and some new light-up fairy headbands will be available for sale on the night.