Council gets into the Christmas Spirit

Port Macquarie-Hastings Council is again getting into the Christmas spirit this year with the first Christmas celebration planned to kick off the festive season.

This year Council will build on last year's Lighting Up the CBD Christmas Tree event by using one of the existing trees located on Town Green. A large Norfolk Pine Tree will be transformed with decorations and over 1000 multi-coloured LED lights.

The Christmas tree will be lit up by Council's Administrator Neil Porter at the Countdown to Christmas Event on Thursday, 24th November 2011.

The evening will kick off at 6.45pm with entertainment by Sing Australia - Port Macquarie, The Young Guns Ensemble and Wauchope Youth Theatre Group.

Administrator Neil Porter said, "After taking into consideration the feedback Council received after last year's event, Council will be working hard to make this year's Christmas display even bigger.

"In an effort to satisfy the community's wishes that we have a bigger Christmas tree displayed than last year, Council will be decorating and lighting up an existing 25m Norfolk Pine Tree down on Town Green.  I would like to encourage everyone to head down to the Town Green on the night and watch the lighting of the tree. Mums and dads don't forget to bring your camera as Santa will also be there for photos with the children."

Numerous Christmas celebrations will be staged across the Local Government Area by community groups who received funding through Council's Community Grants Program.

Across the LGA, Council has distributed more than $15,000 in funding for Christmas and New Year's Eve celebrations that are open to the public and run by not-for-profit groups.

"It is rewarding that so many groups have organised a range of events which encourage fellowship and a sense of community as the festive season approaches," Mr Porter said.