The decorations are up and the lights are lit ... all is ready for one of our most iconic local Christmas celebrations.
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Forbes Town and District Band hosts the 50th anniversary Carols By Candlelight in Victoria Park on Saturday night and every effort has been made to make the occasion something special.
Carols committee chair Janelle Toole said it appeared the annual carols service had started in local churches, but the band had certainly been involved for many years.
They've been practicing all our favourite community carols in preparation for this weekend.
"It's exciting, it should be a really good night," Mrs Toole said.
The entertainment in Victoria Park begins at 6pm with live music from local artists including Lily Gaffaney, Georgia Sideris, Lucy Simmonds, Emily Pavey, Leonie Burton and Jo Stephenson.
Children's activities including face painting will also open from 6pm.
Santa is coming to town to hear Forbes children's Christmas wishes from 6 to 8pm - for a gold coin donation to the band you can take your children's photos with the visiting man in red.
Food and ice cream vendors will be on site and while everything is being set up to make the most of the natural shade there will also be shade structures to keep the kids cool.
As the sun goes down and the park lights up, glo candles and light-up headbands will be on sale.
Then the Forbes Town and District Band will tune up to take us into the evening.
Talented local vocalists Kimberley Ryan, Krystle-Lee McMurray, Ally McCleary and our wonderful MC Judy Prior will take the stage and lead the community carols.
There will be special guest appearances from local school students through the evening as well.
Mrs Toole and the committee of band representatives and community members encourage everyone to come down and enjoy the night.
Every effort is being made to ensure the sound carries well throughout the park and there will be words on pamphlets as well as on the big screen so everyone can sing along.
With the event shift to a Saturday night, and a week closer to Christmas, they're hoping it's easier for families to attend and get into the spirit of the season.
"Come along and enjoy yourselves," Mrs Toole said.
Friday afternoon sees the CBD host the 2019 Find it in Amazing Forbes Christmas carnival and it's also set to be a fun family event.
