Rachael Beck, an international star of stage, film and song, will headline Carols in the Heart at Lismore’s Oakes Oval on December 8.

Lismore is putting on a big Christmas this year, and Mayor Steve Krieg says Council is very excited to have Rachael Beck back here (she attended Lismore High School) as an exciting highlight for the carols.

You may recognise Rachael from one of many performances, including playing Belle opposite Hugh Jackman in Beauty and the Beast, and a host of TV shows for many years, including Hey Dad and Home and Away.

Mayor Krieg feels honoured to have such a special guest be a part of Lismore’s Christmas celebrations.

Rachael also studied dance growing up during her formative years in Lismore. “I am so excited that I'm coming to the wonderful Oakes Oval, which I can see has been beautifully renovated.

“I always feel extremely excited and a little bit teary when I come home, although I do come home quite a bit, it is really such a pleasure and an honour to share Christmas time with you guys.”

Both Mayor Krieg and Rachael are looking forward to the carols. Well, Rachael is, Mayor Krieg was wearing a Grinch outfit!

Rachael let us in on her favourite carol, “O Holy Night. It's so much my favourite that I would never sing it because I feel as though I would never do it justice. Isn't that funny?

“I do love singing Silent Night, and I do love singing Away in a Manger. I've sung that a couple of times when, when I was pregnant, actually, which is really beautiful. I'm not pregnant at the moment, but I might still sing it. 

“I've actually asked my old dance school, Wendy Kennedy Dance Academy, which is now Karen Island Studios, to lend me a couple of beautiful ballet dancers to dance while I sing one of those songs, which will be an extremely special moment for me.”

Mayor Krieg is excited about the rollout of Christmas events this year, and with Rachael and other local artists like Luke Vasella and Rhydian, he has dubbed it the Best Regional Carols in Australia!

The recovery of the town has been something close to Rachael, who was living in the region at the time and helped people in South Lismore, post-2022 flood, with the cleanup.  

“Everywhere I travel, or even just walking around the street, people ask, How's Lismore going? It's the number one question I get asked, whether it's down in Sydney or wherever else I am. 

“There is great concern all over the country still for Lismore, and people's hearts and people's minds are still thinking about Lismore. And so to bring a bit of joy back to this area and to, you know, to actually smile and hug each other will be a really, really special thing that I will I'm so grateful to be a part of.”

The invitation has been put out to all people in the Northern Rivers to participate in the Carols and Christmas festivities. Santa’s Wonderland will be on at the Regional Art Gallery for those special Christmas photos, the Elf hunt will be on through the city, and the “Xmas in Lismore” campaign launches today to make it easier to find businesses celebrating.

“Carols in the Heart is not just a celebration; it’s a testament to the unwavering spirit of our community," Mayor Krieg said.

“This year's lineup intentionally unites incredible national and local artists to bring joy into the hearts of our community and activity into the heart of our city.”

“I encourage everyone from Ballina and Byron and Kyogle, and even as far away as Tenterfield and Glen Innes, to make the trip down. 

“Spend the weekend in Lismore, do your Christmas shopping in our beautiful, eclectic retail outlets, enjoy some nice meals in our cafes and restaurants, and then spend a beautiful Sunday afternoon and evening enjoying some of the best music you'll ever hear.”

It will be a festive atmosphere with plenty to see and do at Carols in the Heart, including a laser light show, plenty of food options and activities for the kids, like face painting and jumping castles.

Carols in the Heart will be on December 8th at Oakes Oval, put it in your diary - 3pm til 9pm.

Santa's Wonderland will be at the Regional Art Gallery from December 4th to the 22nd. Book early so you don't miss out on this year's Christmas photos! You can get your Elf Hunt instructions at Santa's Wonderland.

For a chance to win a $500 Loving Lismore Gift Card, register on the xmasinlismore.com website. One will be given away every week in December.

To kick off Christmas, Lismore City Council has released a Christmas Carol video clip. Check it out here.