Erle Levey
Picnic hampers packed, blankets wrapped and songlists open… everything is in readiness for the annual Carols Cruise on Noosa River this evening, Friday 9 December.
The community feedback has been well received again this year with many looking forward to another magnificent evening cruising along the river in convoy while enjoying the sound of the festive season performed by the Sunshine Coast Oriana Choir and Youth Choir.
The Oriana Choir will be aboard the Noosa Ferry while the Youth Choir will be at the parkland stops along Noosa Sound and at Lions Park in Noosa Heads.
Community members are looking forward to enjoying a family picnic at one of the parkland stops and joining in some Christmas carols sung by the Youth Choir and having the Oriana Choir come to join them aboard Noosa Ferry.
Those with their own boats wanting to join in the cruise can meet the Noosa Ferry in front of stop 1, Ravenwood Park, at 5pm.
Stop 2: 5.30pm Noosa Park West, Stop 3: 6pm at Settler’s Cove Park (accessible by Settler’s Cove Resident’s only), Stop 4: 6.30pm at Lions Park Noosa Heads.
You can choose what stop based on the song-list found on the Reed & Co website: reedandco.co/carolcruise2022/
To be in the know for next year’s event, you can sign up to the Carols Cruise mailing list via reedandco.co
Those homeowners and holiday-makers who are fortunate to be on the path the Noosa Ferry travels are hosting events at their homes and accommodation to enjoy the carols as they cruise past.
Many boating enthusiasts are thrilled to be a part of the experience following the Noosa Ferry along the beautiful Noosa River while others are looking forward to gathering with their family and friends and one of the stops to enjoy the Christmas spirit.
Sunshine Coast Oriana Choir president Melissa Innes said it was a pleasure to be associated with such a welcoming community event.
“As we approach Christmas we often feel the inevitable pressure that comes with the territory.
“There’s a sense that we need to tie up loose ends, catch up with friends and family we intended to spend more time with throughout the year, get that project finished we promised ourselves we’d have done before year end, or work to put final arrangements in place for Christmas Day itself.
“There are presents to buy, gifts to wrap, food to plan, the annual mega-house and yard clean up, even the garage.
“It can often feel like a roller-coaster road – you’ve been climbing your way to the top, looking forward to the view all year – but then things start to speed up faster and faster and it’s almost like time is against you as each day flicks past.
“That’s when carol events come to the rescue. Like a pilot light guiding ships safely to shore, these events are a warm welcome, a moment to pause, pull up a picnic blanket, take a breath and sing.
“There’s nothing quite like a grand rendition of ‘Hark the Herald Angels Sing’ to release the stress and create a sense of warm happiness – reminding us of the great things about this time of year.
“Extra moments with loved ones, a slower pace as most businesses look for a well-earned rest, time for some recuperation and reflection before we bring in the new year.
“For choir members of Oriana, it’s often a time to share their passion and talents with those in the community that don’t necessarily have the option of attending one of their three major events in the year.’’
As young members of the choir have reflected: “This is an opportunity to give – to share his time and voice with the community as we come together to bring in the festive season.’’
