Santa follows the sound to Albany’s Christmas Carols

A venue change caused momentary confusion at the 2019 Apex Christmas Carols as Father Christmas arrived at Ellen Cove to find the event’s traditional setting empty.

But the man of the moment eventually found his way to Alison Hartman Gardens on Saturday night, guided by hundreds of voices singing Santa Claus is Coming to Town.

He was met with squeals of delight by a crowd of children already worked up by the appearance of Mrs Claus and her tiny reindeer-dog, Opal.

The move to York Street was prompted by sea wall construction at Middleton Beach, but it also offered some added protection from the blustery winds.

Last year’s Apex Christmas Carols was cancelled because of wet and windy weather.