Albany all set for Carols by Candlelight’s return to Ellen Cove amphitheatre for first time in six years

Albany Carols by Candlelight is set for a triumphant return to its traditional home within the sheltered confines of Ellen Cove for the first time since 2017 on Saturday. Apex Club of Albany president Brendon Bailey is inviting the whole community to come along and promising this year’s 71st annual carols will be bigger and better than ever. “The City of Albany Band is also back, and, of course, we have a special guest in a red suit who loves coming along at this time of the year,” he said. “Carollers are encouraged to bring a picnic and a rug with a sausage sizzle available for purchase. “Unfortunately, free wax candles won’t be available however attendees are encouraged to bring their own or battery-powered candles will be available for sale on the night.” Bad weather caused the 2018 carols, which were scheduled to take place in the cove’s amphitheatre, to be cancelled and the event was moved to Alison Hartman Gardens from 2019 to 2021 due to work taking place at Middleton Beach. Last year’s carols returned to a beachside setting but were held on the Middleton Beach foreshore rather than in the Ellen Cove amphitheatre. Mr Bailey said he was excited for the carols to return to their traditional setting and was thankful to his club’s volunteers for continuing to drive the event. “The Apex Club of Albany has a proud history of serving the local community,” he said. “Carols by Candlelight is a testament to the hard work of club volunteers over many years, with the ongoing support of the City of Albany and the wider Albany community. “But it does take a lot of effort, so we’d certainly like to hear from anyone who would be interested in joining the club and making a positive contribution to the Albany community.” The event is free to the whole community and will start from 6pm on Saturday with carols kicking off from 7.30pm.