THE Lions Club of New Norfolk brought the festive cheer to the Valley last Friday, hosting their Carols in the Park at the Esplanade.

In a week that saw the announcement from New Norfolk Christmas that Santa’s House will not be able to open this year, being unable to secure the services of Santa Clause or enough of his busy elves, the Lions Club stepped up to the plate.

Hundreds of merry families flocked to the park, with kids, parents and performers coming from the Valley and beyond.

The event was free, though tickets, masks and social distancing were required to comply with Covid-safe rules.

Though he did make an appearance at the end of the night, the Grinch was not stealing the Christmas joy from the New Norfolk locals, with food, drinks and entertainment from local groups in Rotary and D’FAT, as well as an appearance from the big, bearded man in red himself, keeping spirits high.

The stage was shared by the Derwent Valley Concert Band, local soprano and Carols in the Park regular Grace Ovens, as well as performances from local schools as the community came together to show how far it’s come since the cancellations of the 2020 carols.