Huon Valley Theatre ~ Carols by LED-light

Huonville used to have a "Carols by Candlelight" event in past years. However, tiredness on the part of the previous organisers and complications associated with public liability insurance led to its demise. Huon Valley Theatre thought that Huonville could do with an event like this, because there had been little else to give the town a senses of the Christmas spirit, speically in recent years. HVT also thought that it would be a nice way to thank the people who had supported the theatre through their attendance at and participation in its productions. We had planned on a traditional outdoor event. However, there were some difficulties. Insurance wasn't our problem, but the cost of getting good quality staging, lighting and sound was, particularly as HVT is self-funded. Our efforts to get sponsors raised some, but not enough, funds to cover the costs. Adding to this was the unpredictability of the weather and the risk that all the effort would amount to nothing if the weather was bad. HVT moderated its aspirations, and we decided on a smaller-scale indoor event, at our 'home', the Huonville Town Hall. Real candles and an old building do not make a good combination (specially as far as our insures are concerned) so we opted for glo-sticks and LED candles. HVT's inaugural 'Festival of carols' was held last night . . . and was a great success, much to the relief of everyone! The smallness of the hall (with a capacity of about 200) created an intimate and friendly atmosphere. The glo-sticks and candles looked wonderful in the dark of the hall, the performers were great, and everone had a good time. We were snug in the hall while the wind gusted furiously down empty streets. It looks like we will be doing it again next year . . . and we will stick to the hall. Big is not always better!