The event is a highlight of the year for local residents, with hundreds turning up to sing along to all of the much-loved Christmas tunes.

The Kempsey District Silver Band, along with some special guests, delighted the crowd at the Kempsey Racecourse.

"We had a really good turn out this year, it was great to see families come and enjoy the night," Leonie Capararo from the Kempsey District Silver Band said.

"Last year wasn't as successful because we had some bad weather and had to change the night so it was great to see locals attending this year and enjoying themselves."

Santa himself made an appearance handing out bags of goodies for all of the kids in attendance on the night.

Raffles, rides and fun activities for the kids to enjoy were just some of the other events that were planned for the carols.

"We really want the carols to be a family night. We had some great guest singers from the crowd come up and sing songs with us," Leonie said.

"Everyone had a really good time and got involved."

The Kempsey District Silver Band has been bringing music to the Macleay Valley for more than 125 years.

"We organise, set up and play on the night and we're always open to volunteers who want to help.

"It's important to us to have something in the community that's just for families."

The band would like to thank the major sponsors of the event, Kempsey Shire Council, Kempsey West Rotary, North Coast Trucking Social Club, Weismantel Heavy Haulage, the SES and the 1^st Kempsey Scouts Group.

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