INSURANCE cover has now been secured to enable this month's Carols by Candlelight to proceed.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The popular Christmas Eve singalong had been in doubt for the second year running due to public liability insurance concerns.
But Mayor David Vendy insisted that the 50-year Ballarat tradition "simply had to happen" and held talks with council officers about Ballarat City Council stepping in to save the day.
Council's insurance and risk management co-ordinator Anthony Cummins said council had been able to obtain insurance for the event through the community groups insurance scheme, which is only available to not-for-profit groups.
Mr Cummins said the event was able to secure the insurance after a donation was made to the carols' organising committee from the City of Ballarat and The Courier.
Up to 5000 people attend Carols by Candlelight at the sound shell in the north gardens each Christmas Eve.
Committee member Peter Morey said the community event had been going for about 50 years, with sponsorship this year from St John of God Hospital and The Courier.
Any profit made on the night from the sale of candles or glow sticks will go to The Courier Charity Fund.
The event will begin at 8.30pm and finish at 10.45pm.
