Carols in the Domain

Carols in the Domain

Company type	Annual event
Industry	Entertainment, Charity
Founded	1983 (1983)
Founder	Robyn Anne Hobbs
Headquarters	Sydney , Australia
Area served	Australia
Products	Christmas concert event

Carols in the Domain is a yearly Christmas concert held in Sydney’s Domain Gardens, commencing in 1983. This event showcases both Australian and international artists and is accessible to the public at no cost. Since 2023, it has been broadcast across the nation via the Seven Network and simultaneously aired on the Hit Network. Traditionally scheduled on the final Saturday before Christmas Eve until 2015, the date shifted to the last Sunday prior to Christmas Eve from 2016 and has been observed on the third Saturday of December since 2021. Over time, it has become one of Australia's most significant complimentary Christmas celebrations.

History

Established in 1983 by Robyn Anne Hobbs, a former employee of Qantas, Carols in the Domain was envisioned as a major festive occasion for Sydney. The event raises funds for The Salvation Army and welcomed 15,000 attendees at its inaugural gathering. Notable television personalities who have hosted include David Koch, Natalie Barr, Andrew Daddo, Grant Denyer, Kate Ritchie, and Barry Crocker.

In recognition of her contributions to community service and fundraising through this event, Hobbs was awarded the Order of Australia Medal in 2009.

The naming rights for the event have been held by various main sponsors over the years. Esso sponsored in 1989, followed by Pacific Power in 1996. After Pacific Power underwent restructuring, government support assumed a role in sponsorship. The Sydney Morning Herald also served as a sponsor. RAMS Home Loans held naming rights in 1997. Between 2004 and 2005, The Good Guys were sponsors before Woolworths took over and rebranded the event as "Woolworths Carols in the Domain," a title that remains currently.

Despite the Martin Place siege occurring earlier in the week of 2014, organizers chose to proceed with the event, attracting approximately 80,000 attendees. The program included tributes to those affected by the incident. Mark Vincent opened with "You Raise Me Up," followed by a moment of silence.

Owing to COVID-19 restrictions, the 2020 edition took place without a live audience at Sydney’s Aware Theatre and was broadcast on Channel 7.

In September 2023, Southern Cross Austereo’s Hit Network became the official radio partner for Carols in the Domain.

Charity

Proceeds from candle bag sales during performances benefit The Salvation Army and its OASIS Youth Support Network. OASIS provides assistance to homeless young people aged 16–24 in Sydney’s inner city through emergency accommodation, case management services, and educational training programs.

List of events

Each year’s celebration includes an appearance by Santa Claus alongside performances from local orchestras and choirs.

Date	Hosts	Guests	Orchestra and choir	Musical director	Refs
20 December 1986		Normie Rowe, Jackie Love, Fabulous Singlettes, Don Spencer	Sydney Conservatorium Orchestra and Chorale, Young Sydney Singers
19 December 1987			2MBS FM Children's Choir
17 December 1988		Ian Turpie	Normie Rowe
22 December 1990	Barry Crocker	Tina Arena, Jackie Trent, Jeanne Little, Grace Knight, Clare Gormley, Sesame Street Cast	Sydney Youth Orchestra, The Salvation Army Massed Choirs, Cafe of the Gate of Salvation
21 December 1991	Barry Crocker and Jackie Love	Judith Durham, David Hobson, Suzanne Clachair, Mickey and Minnie	The Australian Girls Choir
19 December 1992	Jeanne Little, Suzanne Johnston, Gregory Tomlinson, Peter Cousens, The Wilson Family Singers, John Williamson, Georgie Parker, Tom Burlinson, Noel Ferrier, June Bronhill, The Tin Lids, Tony Hatch, Jackie Trent and Disney characters	The Salvation Army Choir, Sydney Youth Orchestra
18 December 1993		Girlfriend band, Toni Pearen, Jackie Love, Rob Guest, Suzanne Johnston, David Hobson, The Wiggles, Lee Kernaghan, Tara Morice
17 December 1994	Rob Guest	Julie Anthony, Jeffrey Black, The 4 Trax, Eden Gaha, Gina Jeffreys, Toni Pearen, The Wiggles, Rick Price, Jackie Trent, Miriam Gormley, Cinderella Cast	Sydney Children's Choir, Philharmonic Choir, Sydney Youth Orchestra
23 December 1995	Julie Anthony, Peter Cousens, Andrew Daddo, The Wiggles, Monica Trapaga; Home and Away actors Tempany Deckert and Kate Ritchie among others	Sydney Youth Orchestra; Philharmonic Choir; Victorian Boys' Choir	Michael Harvey
21 December 1996	Noni Hazlehurst and John Jarratt	Belinda Emmett; Julia Morris; Human Nature band members; Troy Cassar-Daley; Georgie Parker among others
20 December 1997	Ghillian Sullivan and Roger Lemke with Hugh Jackman and Monica Trapaga among guests
19 December 1998	Hugh Jackman and Monica Trapaga	Belinda Emmett; CDB band members David Hobson and Peter Cousens among others including Disney characters	Sydney Youth Orchestra; University of Western Sydney Choir; Leichhardt Espresso Chorus
18 December 1999	Andrew Daddo and Belinda Emmett	Vanessa Amorosi; Lisa McCune; Von Trapp children from The Sound of Music; Vika and Linda; Adam Brand; Ignatius Jones; Monica Trapaga; Janice Breen Showgroup; The Wiggles; Disney Channel characters

See also

• Carols by Candlelight, an analogous celebration held in Melbourne
• Christian music in Australia

External links

• The Salvation Army OASIS Youth Support Network