Internationally renowned artists Paul Tabone and Mirusia are set to headline the highly anticipated return of Lismore’s Carols in the Heart to Oakes Oval on Sunday, 10 December from 4pm to 9pm.

Dubbed ‘Australia’s own Bocelli’, Tabone has performed at arenas around the world, including singing alongside Andrea Bocelli, Placido Domingo, Jose Carraras and Ambrogio Maestri as one of the four tenors at Pavarotti's 100th-year birthday celebration.

‘Australia’s Songbird’, Mirusia Louwerse, has established herself as one of the most successful Australian artists in the classical crossover world and will join forces with Tabone to orchestrate a magical Christmas experience for the whole community.

Both acclaimed artists performed in March 2023 as part of Opera in the Gardens at the Lismore Turf Club where an audience of over 2,000 enjoyed an afternoon of opera, operetta and theatre songs along with Joshua Robson and Jayde Westaby.

Lismore City Mayor Steve Krieg told media in the centre of Oakes Oval, It will be the first big occasion that we'll be able to use Oakes and Crozier after the $14 million redevelopment. So, it's gonna be a really exciting day for the whole community. Not only Lismore people but if you are from Casino, Alstonville, Ballina or Byron get on down here.

"We'd love to see this whole oval packed with 10 or 12,000 people to really enjoy what is going to be a spectacular event in Lismore. As I said, it's not about anything other than just having some world-class performers here supporting Lismore along with some fantastic local talent as well like The Buckley's, Pink Zinc, Luke Vasella, and people that we all know and love."

"I really want to emphasise the fact that to get to artists of the calibre of Paul Tabone and Mirusia who want to come back, is exciting thing for us. They've put their hand up and said yep, let's help out Lismore to make Lismore Carols the best that it can be."

"Events like these played a crucial role in fostering community connection and supporting the call to Back Lismore.

“Carols in the Heart is not just a celebration, it is a testament to the unwavering spirit of our community,” he said.

This year's sponsors are Lismore Square Shopping Centre and the Lismore Workers Club.

As well as food trucks, jumping castles, face painting, kids activities and a visit from Santa, the spectacular laser show will make a reappearance thanks to the Lismore Square.

"Lismore Square is a really important part of the community, we've been part of the community for many years. And for us, when we got the opportunity to jump on board we grasped it and embraced it. From a sustainability point of view, the laser show, for us, is an important aspect. We are looking forward to it so come on down," Centre Manager Shaun Haysom said.

Lismore Workers Club President Ian Harmon said, "The Lismore Workers Club is only too happy being involved in this event. We have over the years been involved with support and backing for it along with other council events like Eat The Street and so on. It's a fantastic opportunity to get our brand name out there, support the council and Lismore in general."

The Carols are part of a month of festive events and activities for family and friends to enjoy fabulous music, unique shopping and dining experiences, pop-up exhibitions, family activities, singalongs and creative programs.

The month of merry activities include:

• Santa’s Wonderland: 1-23 December | 13 Woodlark Street, Lismore.   
• Carols in the Heart: Sunday, 10 December | Oakes Oval, Dawson Street, Lismore | 4pm - 9pm. Free entertainment, children’s activities and food vendors. This is an Auslan-supported event. 
• Lismore Delights: Saturday, 16 and 23 December | 10am – 3pm | Lismore CBD. Enjoy music, festive fun and community activities, shopping, dining and entertainment around the Block. 
• The Very Merry Markets: Thursday, 21 December | 3pm-7.30pm | Lismore Quad. Festive gifts, music, food and activities brought together by Lismore Regional Gallery, The Quad, Lismore Library, Rekindling the Spirit, Northern Rivers Healing Hub and Lismore Produce Market, with support from Lismore City Council. 
• Lismore Elf Hunt and Christmas Competitions: 1-23 December | Lismore CBD. Find cheeky elves hiding in shop windows to claim your prize! Enter to win Loving Local Gift Cards.  

As Mayor Krieg said, "It's all about local people supporting local businesses leading into Christmas and backing each other."