1 December 2015
One of Sydney’s most popular festive events in the lead up to Christmas, Lights of Christmas, presented by PAYCE is again lighting up the sandstone façade of St Marys Cathedral in the lead up to Christmas Eve.
The free lighting and sound event has thrilled hundreds of thousands of Sydneysiders and visitors for the past five years and is firmly entrenched as a ‘must see’ family attraction during the city’s annual festive celebrations.
Opening night on 10 December began with the angelic St Mary’s Boys Choir performing traditional Christmas carols before ARIA award-winning soul diva, Paulini took to the stage and captivated the crowd with tunes from her new holiday album, Merry Christmas. Namoi Price followed with powerful renditions of two traditional songs as a prelude to the official ceremonial turning on of the lights by the Archbishop of Sydney, The Most Reverend Anthony Fisher OP.
Opening night featured a premiere live performance of the forgotten carol, Holly and the Ivy, sung by Naomi Price with backing by the George Ellis Orchestra and accompanied by a visual narrative on the cathedral façade.
PAYCE Managing Director, Brian Boyd said it is inspiring to see how the spectacular display unites Sydney communities as they comes together in the cathedral forecourt each year to witness the spectacle.
“PAYCE is proud to partner such a worthy event again this year and help bring the true spirit of Christmas to life and at the same time benefit a number of charitable organisations that are deserving of our support, especially at this time of year,” he said.
Mr Boyd said he was delighted to be associated with an event for families and friends that embraces the same spirit of community which PAYCE is committed to delivering through its own projects.
“PAYCE transforms places to create innovative and integrated places that bring people together. It’s about bringing traditional values of goodwill and friendship to new urban environments,” he said.
Lights of Christmas presented by PAYCE begins each night at 7.30pm with a performance by various Sydney choirs on the steps of the cathedral, then followed by the light and sound show to midnight.
Digital projections illuminate the cathedral’s 75 metre high sandstone southern façade with a variety of scenes reflecting this year’s theme – the International Year of Light.
Lights of Christmas presented by PAYCE is hosted by the Archdiocese of Sydney and its education partner, the Australian Catholic University and supported by Catholic Cemeteries and Crematoria.
For more information visit the website: www. lightsofchristmas.com.au
