The community is getting ready to experience the magic of Christmas like never before with Christmas in the Precinct, a brand new festive family event packed with music, markets and entertainment.
Hosted by Bundaberg Regional Council, the event takes place at the Bundaberg Recreational Precinct on Saturday 9 December, with food vendors, the Mumma’s Nest markets, rides and roving performers all in action from 2 pm.
The festivities will culminate in a concert, which will feature Christmas carols, at 6 pm, hosted by WIN news presenter Lincoln Humphries and featuring the talents of pop star RICKI-LEE, musical theatre legend Marina Prior and vocal group The Diamonds.
Multi-platinum selling singer songwriter Ricki-Lee Coulter said she was excited to return to Bundaberg for the first time since she was a teenager and was looking forward to celebrating the holiday season.
“I love Christmas so much – I’m the kinda girl that puts her tree up on the first of December with carols blasting in the background,” Ricki-Lee said.
“And every Christmas day I have my Christmas playlist with all my favourite songs playing all day!
“I love Christmas – so performing at events like this is so special.
“It’s the most wonderful time of the year and everyone is there to have a good time, so it’s always so much fun.”
Ricki-Lee said audiences could expect all the festive favourites from her performance.
“I love singing Christmas carols, so I’ll be singing some of my favourite Christmas songs for you all – and I’d love so much if everybody could sing along with me,” she said.
“It is going to be such a magical night!
“I can’t wait to spend a couple of days there enjoying the place and seeing everything Bundaberg has to offer.”
Audiences can also enjoy a performance from Australia’s leading lady of Musical Theatre, Marina Prior, who said her performance would cover the Christmas classics.
“I will be so excited to get into the Christmas spirit in Bundaberg,” Marina said.
“It will be my only Carols Concert outside of Carols on Christmas Eve, so I will be embracing it.
“[The audience] can expect old fashioned Christmas magic and joy, and all my favourite Christmas carols.”
Marina said she looked forward to returning to Bundaberg and being part of a Christmas celebration for the whole community.
“The main thing I love about performing at this sort of event is the family and community spirit as everyone comes to celebrate,” she said.
“The world can be tough and this is a great opportunity to be thankful for what we have in our lives and who we share it with.
“I have been to beautiful Bundaberg before, and I’m looking forward to a wonderful warm night!
“It will be so nice to celebrate a tropical style Christmas in a small and friendly community.”
Christmas in the Precinct
When: Saturday 9 December
What to expect:
2 pm – Mumma’s Nest Markets, rides, activities, roving entertainment, food trucks, reindeer and more
6 pm – Bella Canna String Quintet
6.30 pm – Encore Dance Studio
7 pm – Christmas Carols performed by The Diamonds, Marina Prior and RICKI-LEE
Where: Bundaberg Regional Precinct
Cost: Free
Find out more in Council’s Christmas Program.