Concerns over crowd at Hillsong Sydney light display

Video footage appears to show crowds of people at Hillsong Church’s light display in Sydney despite COVID concerns in NSW.

Video footage appears to show a large crowd at Hillsong Church’s Christmas light display in Sydney’s northwest.

The video, aired on Channel 7 on Boxing Day, shows people at the church’s Sydney Hills campus at Bellavista.

A witness filmed the throng of people at the Christmas Light display, concerned about the apparent lack of social distancing at the gathering.

Forty thousand people turned out for testing yesterday, but not everyone was COVID-safe on Christmas. A huge beach party at Bronte has been slammed as 'appalling' with fears it will turn out to be a super-spreader. https://t.co/J5KxJK76k5 #7NEWS pic.twitter.com/tMBmwNm5Na

— 7NEWS Sydney (@7NewsSydney) December 26, 2020

The display is not a ticketed or scheduled event but rather was open throughout December for the public to visit at times of their own choosing.

The Hillsong website advertises the display as a “drive through” attraction.

A Channel 7 viewer sent in video footage of crowds at a Hillsong Christmas light display in Sydney. Picture: Channel 7

“Our Sydney (Hills) and Brisbane (Central) campuses will be decked out in twinkling Christmas lights throughout the month of December,” it says.

“Take a drive with your family, friends and neighbours, and soak up some Christmas cheer!”

The Christmas light display was advertised as a drive-through event on the Hillsong website. Picture: Channel 7

Sydney Christmas services were held online this year with celebrity pastor Brian Houston.

COVID restrictions in greater Sydney limit outdoor gatherings to 100 people.

Places of worship are allowed 300 people in a distinct area as long as there is only one person per four metres squared.

Hillsong was contacted for comment.