A massive crowd turned up to Nesbitt Park yesterday afternoon for Shopbaby Carols In The Heart in full support of the new venue that was the heart of the February 28 flood.

There is no doubt the South Lismore park will be high on the list of potential venues in 2023 as it provided ample space, parking and entertainment in what was a fantastic community day.

There were camping chairs and picnic blankets strewn all over the park with cheese platters and even the odd sneaky wine or beer being consumed. There was enough space for the kids to run amok and do their own thing while the parents got together with family and friends to relax and have fun.

The food trucks were sprinkled around the perimeter of Nesbitt Park and were kept busy all day and night along with a kid's section with a climbing wall, clowns, jumping castles, an obstacle course, face painting and of course, the bike track and playground were being used.

Lismore Mayor Steve Krieg told the Lismore App, "This was a fantastic way for the city to come together to celebrate the Christmas season."

"A massive congratulations to the LCC events team for putting the program together, to the performers who did such a great job, and to the hosts, Gracie and Josie for their efforts."

(Hosts for the 2022 Shopbaby Carols In The Heart from NBN Josephine (Josie) Shannon (left) and Gracie Richter)

"A special word of thanks to the sponsors, many of whom are getting back on their feet or still rebuilding. A night like tonight sends a very clear message that Lismore will come back better than ever."

Many families with very young children were leaving around 7 o'clock after Santa made an appearance and sang Rudolph The Red Nosed Reindeer.

The main attraction as far as Carols were concerned, JD Smith and Cosima De Vito, performed throughout the afternoon and evening rather than one long set which was a bonus for those who had to leave early.

Dare, I say, the star of the 2022 Carols In The Heart was the Lismore Workers Club Laser Show.

The Lismore sky was spectacularly lit up on a perfect summer's night to the heavy beat of Christmas Carols.

As the Mayor mentioned, the Lismore City Council events team did a brilliant job with the layout and picked the right venue so congratulations to Leanne Clarke and her team.

If you didn't feel in the festive spirit yet, you should now Lismore.