Santa, who also doubles as a Rural Fire Service volunteer, was due at the carols in the early evening but was called to a grass fire on Wandobah Road. 

It became the running joke for the evening that Santa had to put out a fire started by Rudolph’s red nose.

Close to 2000 people attended the event which was organised by the Gunnedah Minister’s Fraternal.

A number of schools performed including St Mary’s College, Carroll Public School, Mullaley Public School, GS Kidd Memorial School and Carinya Christian School.

Gunnedah Shire Band, Gunnedah Conservatorium and Plains Pipes and Drums also showcased their talents.

“I think it’s great to have a strong representation from our local schools,” fraternal member Kurt Langmead said. 

“It encourages the community to see the carols as a family event and that’s something which is definitely evidenced by the number of families and kids that come along on the night.

“We want to continue to encourage the schools to continue to support the carols.”

Mr Langmead said it was great to see so many smiling faces at a “safe, fun, meaningful family event”.

“Bec and I and the kids went down as a family and the kids had a great time and particularly enjoyed the puppet show,” he said.

“For me, a highlight was the first item by GS Kidd – heaps of energy and fun.”

Another highlight for Mr Langmead was the efforts of the outlying schools such as Mullaley and Carroll.

“Special mention to Mullaley Public for ‘Go light your world’, pointing to Jesus as the brightest Christmas light of all,” he said.

Mullaley school principal Christine Patison said it was an “absolutely wonderful” event.

“It was lovely to see the Gunnedah community combined to celebrate Christmas,” she said.

“I thought a lot of the items were colourful and entertaining. I thought that the message of Christmas was communicated well and also communicated through the carols that were performed.”

Mr Langmead said the event was a big team effort and it was great to see everyone pitching in to help.

Among the volunteers were ‘Santa’s helpers’ who handed out 1000 lolly bags to the kids.

“There was no shortage of sugar to keep the kids going all evening,” Mr Langmead said.

A round of fireworks by Walgett Catholic priest Anthony Koppman of Holy Smoke fireworks rounded off the evening. It was funded by Stripes and Whitehaven.