Carols hold X-tra appeal

HE SHOT to fame on the hit television show The X-Factor, now Clyde resident Andrew Wishart will be taking centre stage at this year’s Carols By Twilight in Narre Warren.
The family-man and former nut salesman gained millions of fans after competing on Channel 7’s national singing show, placing second to teen heart-throb Reece Martin by a fraction of votes.
Mr Wishart, 41, is taking a break from building his music career since the show ended last month to make a special appearance at the Christmas event at Max Pawsey Reserve on Christmas Eve.
Cr Wayne Smith said it was a privilege to have Mr Wishart at the event this year.
“I’ve been attending the annual Carols By Twilight event for over 20 years. The highlight this year will be seeing Andrew Wishart perform before a huge home crowd,” Cr Smith said.
“We all enjoyed watching Andrew progress through the recent X-Factor competition and it was particularly good to see a talented local Casey resident do so well. He’s a great talent and family man.”
The annual free family event is hosted by Casey City Church and attracts about 7000 people each year.
Besides Mr Wishart, the event will also feature a range of performances from up and coming bands and other well-known artists including X-Factor 2010 contestant Madison Pritchett, Daniel Kelaart from Remission Theory, Jessica-Jade Bruce, the Casey City Church Band and Chasing Aces with lead singer Sean Sebastian.
Santa Claus will also make his annual visit on the back of a fire truck.
The pre-event talent will run from 6.30pm until 7.30pm and the main event will begin 8pm.
Local Radio Station, 97.7 Casey Radio will be broadcasting live from the main event and Eveready will be providing battery-powered candles to purchase on arrival.
Senior Pastor Larry Sebastian from Casey City Church thanked the sponsors and church members for their support in preparation of the grand event.
“It’s a lot of work but it’s fun and a great way to celebrate with the community at this very special time of year our Saviour’s birth,” Pastor Sebastian said.
The event has been supported by Casey Council, Bank of Queensland – Preston, Hillcrest Christian College, Samoah Contracting, Sofia Restaurant Berwick and other local sponsors.
For further information visit www.caseycc.org.au or contact the Casey City Church office on 8790 2917.