Redevelopment works at the Albury Entertainment Centre have forced a change of location for the 2026 Albury Carols By Candlelight. Photo: Albury City Council.
The setting may be changing this year but the timeless appeal of Albury’s much-loved Carols by Candelight burns as brightly as ever, says one of its long-time supporters.
Albury City Council has announced the free community celebration will move to Noreuil Park Oval on Thursday 17 December, as redevelopment works at Albury Entertainment Centre have temporarily reduced the capacity of QEII Square.
Lizzie Pogson, who was involved with the Albury carols for 25 years (including as a creative assistant), says the change of location to Noreuil will not alter the fact “it’s the community event of the year”!
“Carols by Candlelight brings family and friends together, all decked out in their Chrissy outfits – rain, hail, shine or even bushfire smoke,” Mrs Pogson said.
“I think down by the river will be a totally new feel but still timeless, just as this event has always been. I believe this year it’s even more important that we come together as a community and bring goodwill and care of each other into a beloved and festive Albury tradition.”
Noreuil Park Oval’s open, natural setting near the iconic Murray River will give families plenty of space to gather and enjoy an evening of live entertainment, food and festive fun, according to Albury Mayor Kevin Mack.
“Carols by Candlelight is an important part of our community’s Christmas celebrations, and this year we have the opportunity to experience it in a completely different setting,” Mayor Mack said.
Mrs Pogson says she holds countless fond memories of her involvement with the event, particularly when it came to unearthing new local talent, including the now world-renowned singer-songwriter JD Smith, of The Ten Tenors fame.
JD Smith, of The Ten Tenors fame, pictured with Lizzie Pogson, who helped mentor the young Albury singer for his first public performance at the Albury Carols By Candlelight before he returned as the headline act in 2022. Photo: Supplied.
Raised on the Border, Smith enjoyed his first public performance at the Albury carols more than 20 years ago – and has gone on to enjoy a glittering career on stage, as a musical theatre star and recording artist.
“Mentoring JD from the age of 17 for that first performance and then seeing him return a few years ago as the headline act is a brilliant example of where our carols can lead,” Mrs Pogson said.
“I just loved being part of it – from supporting young cast members to learn the beginnings of their stagecraft to creating the variety and mix-up of traditional and modern acts appealing to all ages and adapting to various performers’ styles.
“I often coached a ‘tweens’ item (grouping young cast members not quite ready for solos but with formative voices and personalities) and to see them progress over the years and return with renewed enthusiasm was wonderful.”
The real heart of the carols lies in the fact there’s a family feel both on and off the stage, which only helps foster incredible community spirit during the festive season, according to Mrs Pogson.
“And, of course, the fun of creating something specifically with and for the children, the excitement in building up to Santa’s arrival with songs the kids could join in and looking out from the stage to the candle-lit crowd during the finale was just something else for me!”
Albury City Council has announced increased safety arrangements will be in place at Noreuil Park Oval for the event, including temporary traffic changes, controlled pedestrian crossings, event fencing and professional security.
It says the site offers easy access to Oddies Creek Park, space for food vendors along Wodonga Place and nearby parking at Australia Park.
The council has previously delivered several large-scale events along the Noreuil and Riverside precincts, including Riverside Vibes, which attracted around 17,000 people over two days, and the Upstream Opening Gala, which drew more than 5000 people.
Further program details for the 2026 Albury Carols By Candlelight will be available closer to the date.
