It is a favourite family event on the Orange festive calendar, but like so many other things in 2020 this year’s Carols by Candlelight will be a little different.

With COVID restriction ruling out a large, public gatherings, Triple M Central West have stepped up to fill the void and will be broadcasting a special on-air event — Carols in the Country.

“It is such an important part of our Christmas calendar here in Orange,” said Triple M Central West breakfast announcer Neil Gill, who has hosted Carols by Candlelight for the past six years.

“It has been a fantastic event, not only is the music amazing, but it is such a fulfilling experience to be able to stand up there and see the families, the kids getting excited when Santa turns up. So, we put a few heads together around her and thought well we've got a radio station, why don't we put a carols event together and we’ll broadcast it!”

The format of the Carols in the Country broadcast will be similar to that of the live event, with an address from Mayor Reg Kidd, carols performed by local musicians, and Santa Claus may just even drop by the Triple M studios.

“It is a two-hour, commercial-free experience of Christmas that you can enjoy everywhere and anywhere you are,” said Neil. “We've got musicians from the Conservatorium, plus other local musicians who've put together Christmas carols for us. Plus, your stock standard Christmas carols as well — everyone loves a bit of Mariah Carey at this time of year and Michael Bublé.”

We may not be able to gather together as a community, said Neil, but this is a great opportunity to get together with family and friends to kick off the holiday season.

“It will be an absolutely fantastic event, whether you are driving around looking at Christmas lights, or having a barbecue with friends, getting together for a family dinner — have it on in the background! It is going to be about our community, it is going to be about our musicians, it is going to be about our community leaders, and it is going to be about Triple M, which is fiercely local and we love it!”

Orange Baptist Church Pastor Nathan Dirs will be delivering a Christmas message during he broadcast, which he hopes will bring people some joy after a difficult year.

“Christmas is a beautiful time of a year; it is a time of love, grace, and mercy,” said Nathan.

“Even under the cloud of darkness that has been 2020, there is hope, there is love and there is grace. A chance for us to come together and to celebrate all that at Christmas is a real benefit to all of us. It is a chance for us to have a little bit of hope moving into 2021.”

Carols in the Country will be broadcast ad-free from 7-9pm on 19 December of 105.1FM Triple M Central West.

“We are thrilled to bits to be able to give this to the community,” said Neil. “I hope everyone can run in and get behind it and maybe it is something we can do and grow on each year moving forward!

“So don't forget it is on Triple M 105.1 FM, 7 to 9pm on the 19th of December. Tune in and get your family and friends together— it is going to be a very special event and something for the whole community to enjoy!”