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Christmas Firsts #17 : Carols by Candlelight

Carols by Candlelight is an Australian Christmas tradition which has spread across the world. It is thought that the FIRST Carols by Candlelight might have been held sometime in the 19th century. However, in 1938, the Melbourne Carols by Candlelight, established and popularised the concept of large crowds gathering in public outdoor places to sing carols by candlelight, led by celebrity live performances and a live band.  Today, the largest such event  in Australia is held annually at the  Sidney Myer Music Bowl  in Melbourne's King's Domain Gardens on  Christmas Eve  .  This Victorian event was introduced in 1937 by  Norman Banks , a radio announcer.  Whilst walking home from his night-time radio shift on  Christmas Eve  in 1937, he passed a window and saw inside an elderly woman sitting up in bed, listening to  Away in a Manger  being played on the radio and singing along, with her face being lit by candle...