One more year, then Murray Bridge’s Christmas carols could be in jeopardy

More sponsorship or another source of funding is needed to make sure a festive tradition will be able to continue in 2024 and beyond.

One more year, then Murray Bridge’s Christmas carols could be in jeopardy

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Ashleigh Jocks sings at Murray Bridge’s 2021 Christmas carols. Photo: Peri Strathearn.

This year’s Murray Bridge Christmas carols, to be held at the city’s wharf on December 10, promise to be as joyful as ever.

Next year, though?

That’s all up in the air at the moment.

The Murray Bridge Inter Church Council is worried that future events may not be able to go ahead unless it can find a new source of funding.

The annual event attracts a bit of sponsorship from local businesses, who are acknowledged in announcements and the lyrics booklets handed out on the night.

It also receives funding from the Murray Bridge council; but that funding, sourced through a community grant program, can vary from year to year.

Meanwhile, the costs of holding the free, family-friendly event are sky-high.

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Organisers need to hire a marquee, portable toilets, security and sound equipment, and they give performers a token payment, too.

Inter-church council chairperson Ian Rick estimated that the whole thing cost between $20,000 and $25,000 per year.

“We do have sufficient funds … to put towards the carols (this year),” Mr Rick said.

“But next year we don’t have it, and unless the council (or another funding partner) comes to play, we’re going to be in dire straits.”

Rebecca Cleland, Hugh Menzies, Nadia Willason, Darren Lovell and Ian Rick look forward to this year’s Christmas carols, but they’re worried about the future. Photo: Peri Strathearn.

Last year’s carols were a bit of a disaster – they had to be moved to Le Messurier Oval due to the River Murray floods, and happened to fall on an awfully cold and windy night.

The year before, though, about 1000 people came down to the riverfront to sing their hearts out.

Asked if they would consider taking donations from attendees, organiser Rebecca Cleland shook her head.

“We don’t want anything to inhibit people from coming,” she said.

The inter-church council already collected an offering from crowd members each year, she said, but that was usually donated to local school chaplains.

They will forego any big-name headliners in future; and you won’t see Father Christmas giving out presents at the pointedly Christian event, either.

“We’re trying to give people who might never come to church the message of Jesus Christ,” Uniting Church pastor Darren Lovell said.

The inter-church council – whose members include Murray Bridge’s Catholic, Church of Christ, Lutheran, New Life and Uniting congregations – is seeking donations as it aims to keep the event going.

However, it would equally welcome approaches from any other local church that might like to get involved; or from potential sponsors with creative ideas about how their generosity might be recognised.

  • Donate: Transfer any funds to Murray Bridge Inter Church Council, BSB 105 012, account number 078 945 940; or send postal donations to the Treasurer, Murray Bridge Inter Church Council, c/o Murray Bridge Church of Christ book shop, PO Box 2094, Murray Bridge SA 5253; receipts will be provided.
  • More information: Contact Ian Rick on 0427 313 537.

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