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Free cinema screenings will be held this weekend to launch the new Carols in Cairns, as the event goes online for a second year due to COVID-19 concerns.
Event Cinemas in Earlville, Smithfield and Cairns Central will run the 90-minute production this Sunday afternoon, 19 December.
It will also be broadcast on the council’s Facebook and YouTube channels from 6.30pm on Sunday.
A range of venues, including cinemas, are set to adopt the state's vaccination mandate from tomorrow after Queensland borders opened earlier this week.
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Filmed at iconic destinations around Cairns, 25 local acts from school choirs to retirement home residents are featured in this year’s production.
Three original songs are also included in this year’s program – Paradise (Christmas) by David Hudson, Tropical Christmas sung by Sam Kaweyova, and “Down By The Sea” by the Whiskey Boat Band.
Cairns Mayor Bob Manning said he hopes Carols in Cairns would provide some festive cheer for families after what’s been a “challenging” year for many.
“Given the uncertainty that has surrounded COVID-19 restrictions and border closures, we have decided to again proceed with an online production,” Cr Manning said.
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“While Council’s in-person event won’t go ahead this year, there has been support for a number of community-run events through grant funding.”
Last year’s production was viewed by more than 34,000 people around the world.
Cr Manning said the traditional Carols by Candlelight is likely to return to its home in Fogarty Park in 2022.
Register to watch one of the three cinema screenings here.
Limited tickets are available.
Main points
- Free cinema screenings will launch this year's Carols in Cairns
- The traditional Carols by Candlelight will not return to Fogarty Park for the second year
- Mayor Bob Manning expects the live event to return in 2022
