We are in for a scorching weekend, with temperatures in the mid-30s. The positive part of that scenario is that no severe thunderstorms are on the horizon at this stage.

The Bureau of Meteorology has issued a Severe Heatwave Warning for Sunday and Monday, with an Extreme Warning for Casino and surrounds on Monday.

Stay cool and stay hydrated this weekend.

CHRISTMAS CAROLS

St Paul's Presbyterian Church on Keen Street are holding 9 Lessons and Carols on Sunday in the cooler part of the day, 9am to 10am.

You are welcome to join them to celebrate the Christmas story through scripture and song.

The Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols will be held at St Carthage's Cathedral, Leycester Street, on Sunday from 7:30pm to 9:30pm.

Organist Warren Whitney will lead the annual service with readings and carols marking the festive period.

There are Outdoor Family Carols at Lismore High School, Dalley Street, East Lismore, also on Sunday between 6pm and 8pm.

The Best Present Ever is the theme. You are invited to go along for free food, fun, carols and joy to celebrate Christmas 2025.

Don't forget, a list of Christmas Lights and Christmas Music is on the front page of the Lismore App Christmas 2025, along with Christmas Church Service times.

MARKETS

The final market day for 2025 kicks off at 7:30 tomorrow morning at the Lismore Showgrounds. The Lismore Farmers Markets have gift ideas, fresh fruit and vegetables for the big day and live music from Lismore Floodwater Revival.

The City Bowlo Markets will have their last run for the year on Sunday at the Lismore City Bowling Club on Molesworth Street, Lismore CBD from 9am to 1pm. You can shop for trash and treasure, vintage clothing, bric-a-brac, plants, honey, and a whole bunch of other Christmas gift ideas. 

The Lismore Free Market is on Sunday for two hours from 9am at the Lismore Community Garden, 50 Brewster Street.

These are genuinely free, with no goods purchased, traded or swapped. All items are given away free of charge.

LIVE MUSIC

The Northern Rivers Hotel has Katie Brooke playing live tonight (Friday) from 7pm.

Head along to Bridge Street on Sunday too, when the Northern hosts the Kids Christmas Carnival between 2pm and 9pm. There will be a jumping castle, Christmas music, Christmas movies on the big screen after the sun goes down and, of course, Santa will make an appearance with free photos available.

Ghostown will also be playing at the Northern on Sunday afternoon between 3pm and 6pm.

At Bexhill tonight, 6:30 to 8:30pm, there is an OrkLiz Global Music Party at the Bexhill Hall. Get along and enjoy an evening of music that transcends borders, uniting people through shared rhythms and harmonies.

Orkeztar Lizmoré is a community band, celebrating 11 years together. It was started by jazz musician Pietro Fine and is now co-conducted/directed by multi-instrumentalist Mark Bromley.

Coming Up at the Lismore Workers Club:

• The Noughty Nineties Party featuring all your favourites like Blink 182, Shania Twain, Britney Spears, Robbie Williams and Beyonce. Saturday, January 24, 2026, from 7:30pm
• The Ultimate Superstars of Country Friday, 6 February 2026
• Faulty Towers The Dining Experience Friday, 6 March 2026
• Inxsive & Gold Chisel Tribute Show Saturday, 21 March 2026
• The Italian Tenors Sunday, 19 April 2026

To book tickets to any of the above concerts, click here.

CHEAPEST FUEL PRICES

Lismore was the only town to see a fuel price drop this week. Here is the list of the cheapest service stations as we head into Christmas 2025:

• E10 is 171.9 across most of Lismore, 175.9 at The United on Johnston Street in Casino, and 172.5 at the Mobil and The Metro on River Street, Ballina.
• Unleaded 91 is 172.9 at the Astron on Ballina Road, 177.9 at The United on Johnston Street, and the Liberty's on Hare Street and Centre Street in Casino, and 174.5 at the Mobil and the Metro on River Street, Ballina.
• U95 is 182.9 at the two Independents on Terania Street, North Lismore, the Liberty on Ballina and the Independent on Wyrallah Road, East Lismore, 198.9 at the Independent at 169 Canterbury Street in Casino, and 185.5 at The Metro on River Street, Ballina.
• U98 is 190.9 at the Liberty on Ballina Road, Lismore, Union Street, South Lismore and the Independent on Wyrallah Road, East Lismore, 197.9 at the Liberty on Hare Street and Centre Street in Casino, and 194.5 at The Metro on River Street in Ballina.
• Diesel is 189.5 at the Astron on Ballina Road, 187.9 across most of Casino, and 189.5 at the Mobil at 485 River Street in Ballina.

Have a great weekend!

Now, have a laugh with the Friday Funnies.....