Jingle bells swing and jingle bells ring

HUNDREDS of tiny flames lit the night sky at the Carols by Candlelight at Pakenham on Sunday.
A big crowd attended the popular annual event at Lakeside in the outdoor amphitheatre beside the Cardinia Cultural Centre.
Residents enjoyed the carols with many bringing a picnic to eat as a strong line-up of entertainment performed into the evening.
The fireworks over the lake were a highlight of the event, which also featured performances from the Cardinia Concert Band, Pakenham Carols Choir and the Cardinia Performing Arts Company.
Children from local churches presented the nativity story and Santa made a special visit.
The evening was compered by Sean McMahon and featured soloists Angelie O’Brien, Aaron Pratt and Hayley Ballis.
Cardinia Shire mayor Bill Ronald officially welcomed residents to the carols.
St James Anglican Church reverend and organising committee member Hilary Roath said it was a fantastic event.
“It was an absolutely wonderful night,” she said.
“It was a real celebration of community, family and the talents and skills of people in our community.
“It was wonderful to see so many people gathered to celebrate the real meaning of Christmas. By 8pm there was no grass to be seen. There was a lot more people than last year.
“The kids were so excited they were hopping around everywhere.”
Rev Roath estimated the crowd was in the order of several thousand people.
She praised the police, SES volunteers, St John Ambulance and Rotary volunteers, who contributed to the night.