Talks are underway to try to keep the flame alight for the Ballarat Carols.
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City of Ballarat met with the current Ballarat Carols organisers this week to see if there was anything they could help with to ensure this year's carols go ahead.
Several other groups have also shown interest in taking over the organisation of the event.
Ballarat Carols organisers last week announced that the popular carols event would be cancelled after almost 50 years, citing "lack of support through resources and finances".
"Before we look to support any one of those groups, we want to make sure there's nothing further we can do to help current organisers to hold an event this year," said mayor Samantha McIntosh.
"The City of Ballarat has met with the current organisers of Carols by Candlelight to discuss future options for a Carols event. They are now considering these options, with many groups and individuals also expressing interest over the past few weeks with generously helping out at any future event."
One of those to put up their hand to take on the Ballarat Carols is Gary Greville, who has come to the aid of carols once before.
When Carols by Candlelight was cancelled three days before Christmas in 2007 because of drought and lack of support, he stepped in to run the event in the paddocks behind the Church of Christ in Mt Clear and organised the concert for the next five years.
"I'll put my hand up ... to find out what has to be done. We don't want to reinvent the wheel," Mr Greville.
Soon after news of the carols axing broke in The Courier, Mr Greville put a post on Facebook saying he'd run the carols and needed volunteers, and was immediately inundated with offers of help. He has spoken to council and is waiting to find out what will happen next with the beloved event. "Whether I do it or someone else, I will put my hand up to support whoever because that's what it's all about - it's about teamwork," he said.
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