Carols by Candlelight to be a virtual event for the second year running

Official plans for the state’s second-biggest Christmas carols were never formally presented to SA Health, organisers admit, as it cancels Christmas tradition.

The state’s second-largest Christmas carols has been cancelled in its traditional format for 2021.

Despite long discussion with SA Health, Carols by Candlelight organisers ultimately chose not to submit a Covid management plan, instead opting to host a virtual event for the second year running.

Chief executive of event custodian Novita, Greg Ward, said the annual event, which began in 1944, would not be staged at Elder Park yet again this Christmas as it had been “seriously impacted” by the pandemic.

Mark Soderstrom, Rosanna Mangiarelli and Amelia Mulcahy will again host a virtual Carols by Candlelight. Picture: Sarah Reed.

A Novita spokesman told The Messenger a management plan – required for events over 1000 people – was not submitted as it was “not feasible to have an outdoor event”.

Mr Ward said with a lack of financial support, musicians reluctant to come to SA and a segregated crowd which was likely to be capped at around 5000, it was “not viable to proceed”.

“We didn’t decide this lightly,” Mr Ward said. “When you’re confronted with 100 barriers you’ve got to make a decision.

“The bigger the event the easier it is to attract financial support. And we can’t do it alone as a charity.

“We tried everything to make a quality live event work but there was too much uncertainty.”

The carols, which traditionally attracts more than 30,000 spectators, was cancelled last year as organisers could not guarantee safety or Covid-19 social distancing, before being made a virtual event.

Mr Ward said it was a similar story this year, with the impact of the pandemic and restrictions on large gatherings preventing it running in its traditional form, following “comprehensive discussions” with SA Health.

Pre-Covid ... Carols by Candlelight in Elder Park in 2018. Picture: AAP / Brenton Edwards

“As the custodian of the event, Novita’s top priority is the health, welfare and safety of South Australians, especially the families, artists, production crews and Novita staff and clients that would normally attend,” Mr Ward said.

When asked if only allowing double-vaccinated attendees was considered during discussions, SA Health said it was ultimately the organisers decision to cancel the event.

Adelaide City councillor Alex Hyde said it was disappointing news for families but was glad the council had decided to run a New Year’s Eve event at Rymill Park.

“Major events are still being held and we have planned a Covid-safe New Year’s Eve,” Cr Hyde said.

“I hope it isn’t a sign that traditional Christmas events are less valued than others.”

Adelaide Mayor Sandy Verschoor declined to comment on the cancellation but said the council would offer a range of festivities through its Christmas Festival up until NYE.

“I encourage everyone to come into the city and experience the magic for themselves,” Ms Verschoor said.

Instead, the December 12 event will be headlined by former lead singer of 80s UK pop band Bros, Matt Goss, and Australian entertainer Rhonda Burchmore, and be broadcast on Channel 7.

Chief executive of event sponsor Sealink, Clint Feuerherdt, said going virtual was the “safest way to deliver some much needed Christmas spirit into the heart of every home”.

“We encourage everyone watching to dim the lights, turn on some candles, grab a grazing board and enjoy the entertainment on offer, all the while knowing the night is supporting Novita and the hard work they do in the community,” Mr Feuerherdt said.

Only a handful of carols will go ahead this year with Tea Tree Gully Council capping attendance at its annual Civic Park Carols at 10,000 punters.

That figure was then reduced even further to 6800.

The event will be hosted by 7News presenters Mark Soderstrom, Rosanna Mangiarelli and Amelia Mulcahy.

“This year it feels like Christmas will be even more exciting as we get the chance to reunite with loved ones. Carols is such a fantastic time to enjoy with family,” Soderstrom said.

The event will be replayed on Channel 7 on Christmas Day and be available on its streaming platforms.