“Local boy made good” Connor Crawford will headline a cavalcade of Redlands talent at the FREE Christmas by Starlight community concert at Cleveland on December 7, 2013.
Connor is still fresh from performing to rave reviews as Frankie Valli in Jersey Boys, which toured Australia and New Zealand, and has included several of The Four Seasons greatest hits for his homecoming performance.
He says he is “champing at the bit” for his first Redlands performance since he left the City in 2009 to chase his on-stage career in Melbourne.
Redland City Mayor Karen Williams said Christmas by Starlight – at Norm Price Park-Redland Showgrounds in Long Street, Cleveland – would once again be a huge FREE family event and certainly one to remember.
“Christmas is a very special time of year for families so we are making sure we have something for everyone,” said Cr Williams. “There will be children’s entertainment from 3pm, a special children’s concert from 5.30pm, and traditional twilight carols from 6pm as well as a spectacular fireworks finale about 8pm.
Joining ex-Sheldon College student Connor Crawford will be emerging Redlands country and gospel singer Kiara Rodrigues who, at just 17, already has a long list of achievements up her sleeve.
Kiara wowed the audience and judges on Young Talent Time and this confirmed her potential after her sensational results in 2010 when she was a multi-medallist for Australia at the World Championships of Performing Arts in Hollywood.
Cr Williams said the heavy focus on Redlands performers at Christmas by Starlight was no mistake.
“We have a huge pool of talent here and this is a chance to showcase and celebrate that,” she said. “Also in the line-up are Breanna Fielding, beat-boxer Matt Gibbs, Oliver Samson, Gina Limpus and Indea Sekula, Jacqui McLaren, Katie Green, Sarah Przybysz, Courtney Heaton, Meg McGuiness, the Sheldon College Choir and Orchestra … and even more!”
Add food stalls, roving entertainers, children’s rides and static displays as well as a special visit from Santa himself … and Christmas by Starlight will be a highlight of this festive season.
Cr Williams said the event would be open-air but would go ahead rain or shine.
“Nothing will dampen the spirits of our performers, community groups and residents,” she said. “Provisions have been made to ensure that the stage and equipment are weatherproof.”
The event is run by Redland City Council, with the assistance of confirmed supporters Bayside Bulletin, JJ Richards, SS Signs, Koala Graphix and Mr Fireworks, Stradbroke Flyer, Energex, Christmas Festivities and Fetini Homes.
Cr Williams said the generous support from local business helped Council to provide the largest free event in the Redlands to herald in the Christmas season.
“Christmas by Starlight is a great way to get into the festive spirit and a great community event … so I hope everyone marks the date in their diaries to come along,” she said.
A full program and additional details on transport, parking and a complete entertainment program will be revealed in coming weeks.
Christmas by Starlight is an alcohol-free event.