A fun program of family-friendly activities and renowned home-grown talent will ring in the festive season with the return of Redlands Coast’s traditional Christmas by Starlight at Norm Price Park – Redland Showgrounds, Cleveland, on Saturday 16 December.
Back in true Starlight style, this year’s one-evening event will be free to all with no tickets needed.
Redland City Mayor Karen Williams said the much-loved Redlands Coast tradition would be a welcome opportunity for families to celebrate together and catch a stellar line-up of the city’s incredible talent.
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“I’m delighted that our community carols are returning to the original free format at the showgrounds after three years of being impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic,” Cr Williams said.
“It’s great to have it back as Starlight and its predecessor, Christmas by Harbourlight, have brought much joy going back 25 years, with so many Redlands Coast families growing up with it.
“This year’s event promises to be extra special, with an expected 10,000-plus people coming together in the spirit of Christmas to see some amazing local talent, sing along with their favorite carols, join in the Christmas activities and browse the Christmas merchandise and food stalls.
“As always it will be loaded with fun children’s activities, with plenty of free rides and kids’ entertainment.”
The all-age and alcohol-free event, which will begin at 3pm, will be headlined by international singing star Mirusia Louwerse and swing/jazz sensation Craig Martin, along with Alexa Curtis, Dakota Striplin, Adam Lopez, Scott Muller, Naree Stariha, Liam Waldock, Miss Mandy, Carole Williams, Mama Juju and The Jam Tarts, Redland Rhapsody Chorus, Strictly Dance, Rockit Productions, Redland City Bands, Yulu Buri Ba Dancers of North Stradbroke Island/Minjerribah, Santa and Supa Tony.
The event will wind up about 8.30pm with a spectacular fireworks display by Mr Fireworks, subject to weather and other conditions.
Limited free parking will be available at the showgrounds. Translink, in conjunction with Transdev and Queensland Rail, will provide free train travel from Park Road to Cleveland from midday to the last scheduled service on Saturday 16 December.
A free shuttle bus operated by Blue Bus will run from the Cleveland Train Station to the event. Registrations for free public transport tickets are at redland.qld.gov.au/cbs
To mark the traditional start of Redlands Coast’s Christmas season, the annual Lighting of the Christmas Tree will be held in Raby Bay Harbour Park, Cleveland, on Friday 1 December from 5pm-8.30pm, featuring live entertainment, photos with Santa and a Christmas movie.
“This also is a free family event with no tickets required,” Cr Williams said.
“So why not kick-off your Christmas by heading down to see the lights, go catch the entertainment and make an evening of it, with our free Christmas movie in the park The Santa Clause starting at 7pm.”
SAVE THE DATES
What: Christmas by Starlight
When: 3pm-8.30pm, Saturday 16 December 2023
Where: Norm Price Park – Redland Showgrounds, Cleveland
Details: redland.qld.gov.au/cbs
Please note, Christmas by Starlight is an alcohol-free event
What: Redlands Coast Lighting of the Christmas Tree and movie in the park
When: 5pm-8.30pm, Friday 1 December 2023. Movie from 7pm.
Where: Raby Bay Harbour Park, Cleveland
Details: redland.qld.gov.au/lighting
