On Tuesday, Christmas carols floated down the school’s corridors as SCAC’s junior choir began practicing for this year’s Christmas concert. 

SCAC’s director of music, David Willis is organising A Sapphire Christmas, an event for the whole community hosted on the school’s grounds. 

The school offered to host the event when they became aware that the council did not have an event scheduled. 

“Obviously it’s the time of year when everyone comes together, so we’d like to reach out and bring together an audience of all ages and denominations,” Mr Willis said. 

SCAC is expecting to draw a large crowd to A Sapphire Christmas, with a capacity of over 1000 people on their school oval. 

The community carols event will be brought to life with the help of professional lighting and sound on the night. 

The Bega Brass Band and other community musicians will also take to the stage to back up the carol singers. Visiting choirs are also expected to confirm their involvement closer to the date, meaning performers will range from five to over 50 years old.  

Mr Willis said the audience could expect a selection of traditional carols at A Sapphire Christmas, including a special performance  which the choir will sign in Auslan as they sing. 

Although the junior choir is familiar with the lyrics of the carol, they are now being taught by Auslan interpreter Mari Smyth how to sign it too. 

Mr Willis said the audience can expect guest performers and surprises on the evening. He suggested, but could not confirm, that Santa Claus himself may pay a visit to the community carols event. 

A Sapphire Christmas will be held on December 1. A Christmas market and food stalls will be run from 5:30pm and carols begin at 7.