The 1956 Carols By Candlelight was the first to be broadcast on television, as part of GTV9's pre-launch test transmission, with 3KZ maintaining a separate radio broadcast of the event. The event was originally hosted by its founder Melbourne sports broadcaster Norman Banks and broadcast live over radio station 3KZ. In November 2021, it was announced crowds will return for the 2021 event, however all attendees (10,000 people) will need to have had the COVID vaccination. The event has become almost as popular as the main event in recent years.Ĭhristmas Eve 2017 marked the 80th anniversary of the event.ĭue to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, Vision Australia announced that there would be no crowds for their annual event in 2020, it was the first time ever this had happened. Tickets to the event are cheaper than the main event, while funds raised still go towards Vision Australia. In recent years, the dress rehearsal on 23 December has become open to the public. During World War II the Red Cross and the Australian Comforts Fund joined the Austin Hospital as co-recipients, and in the immediate post-war era the RVIB received funds, as did the Austin Hospital. However, originally, all profits went to the Austin Hospital.
In 1959, the newly constructed Sidney Myer Music Bowl provided a permanent venue, where they are still held 60 years on as of 2019.įunds raised from donations, ticket, and candle sales are given to Vision Australia (formerly the Royal Victorian Institute for the Blind, (RVIB)). The first ever event was held in Alexandra Gardens the following Christmas in 1938, and was attended by around 10,000 people.įollowing World War II, the Carols became so well patronised that the decision was made to move it to the neighbouring park in Kings Domain. Wondering how many others spent Christmas alone, he had the idea to gather a large group of people to all sing Christmas carols together by candlelight. Whilst walking home from his night-time radio shift on Christmas Eve in 1937, he passed a window and saw an elderly woman sitting up in bed inside listening to Away in a Manger being played on the radio and singing along with her face being lit by candlelight. Vision Australia's Carols by Candlelight is the oldest Carols by Candlelight event in Australia.Ĭarols by Candlelight, held in Melbourne, Victoria, was introduced in 1938 by radio announcer Norman Banks, of Melbourne radio station 3KZ. Vision Australia's Carols by Candlelight 1 Vision Australia's Carols by Candlelight.
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