Carols by Candlelight’s return to Elder Park spoiled by rain

It had been missing for three years but the festive cheer at Carols by Candlelight’s return to Elder Park was dampened by pouring rain – though it wasn’t enough to keep the crowds away.

• Gallery: Carols by Candlelight

A deluge of rain has dampened South Australia’s festive spirits as Carols by Candlelight returned to Elder Park for the first time in three years on Sunday.

An estimated 25,000-strong crowd had gathered to sing along with a star-studded cast headed by sensational sister act Vika and Linda Bull, Samantha Jade and Hugh Sheridan.

However, at 7.15pm, just before the last act of the children’s concert, heavy rain started to fall, causing much of the audience to disperse or head home.

But in true show business style, organisers told carollers the show must go on with the main program set to proceed as planned.

Brightly coloured Christmas jumpers were quickly replaced by waterproof jackets among the quarter of the original crowd which braved the North Pole conditions.

Gallery: Festive fun at Carols by Candlelight

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Just moments before the heavens opened, families were celebrating the return of the Christmas tradition.

Just moments before the rain set in, families were enjoying the Christmas tradition.

Amelia Faturic of Seaford Meadow attended with her husband Michael and sons Leo, 6, and Taiten, 3 – and about 20 members of their extended family.

“We’ve done this every year since I can remember. We start the day by getting here at 7am ... we’ve done a couple of sleepovers before,” Mrs Faturic said.

“It felt like we’d lost a bit of our Christmas spirit without it.”

Dina McKenzie of Prospect was with a group of “school mum” friends who had come together for the first time with their children.

Rain at the Sealink Carols By Candlelight in Elder Park. Picture: Morgan Sette

Carols by Candlelight goers flee as rain comes down on Elder Park. Picture: Morgan Sette

“It definitely makes it feel more like Christmas – it’s exciting being able to come to something like this,” Mrs McKenzie said.

A star-studded cast headed by sensational sister act Vika and Linda Bull, Samantha Jade and Hugh Sheridan were set to entertain the crowds.

Also joining them on stage were Amber Lawrence of Aussie Aussie Christmas fame, Lucy Durack, Conrad Sewell, Taylor Henderson, Tommy Fleming and The Voice Australia 2022 grand finalist Thando.

Earlier in the afternoon, festivities kicked off with family activities, a visit from

Santa, and the pre-show concert with children’s favourites Jay Laga’aia, Stefanie Cacamo and members of Dancers by Donna.

Carols by Candlelight is Australia’s second-oldest Christmas concert, presented since 1944 when an estimated one in 10 citizens attended the first event.

The SA Government has provided $1m over four years in funding for Carols by Candlelight, with SeaLink returning as naming rights sponsor for the much loved event.

Hosted by Channel 7 Adelaide news presenters Rosanna Mangiarelli – for the 19th time – Will Goodings and Amelia Mulcahy, Carols by Candlelight was also telecast in Adelaide on Monday night on 7two and 7plus from 7.30pm.