Thousands of people are expected to gather at Tamworth’s Bicentennial Park this December as Baiada Carols in the Park returns with a bigger program of Christmas entertainment and family activities.
The free community event will be held on Saturday, 12 December, following a successful 2025 celebration that attracted more than 4,000 people.
This year’s festivities will run from 5pm to 9.30pm, featuring live music, Christmas carols, food stalls, giveaways and a special appearance by Santa and Mrs Claus.
Tamworth Regional Council Events Officer Natasha Little said organisers were looking forward to building on last year’s success.
“We’re excited to bring Carols in the Park back for another year and make it even bigger for our community,” Little said.
“From 5pm to 7pm, attendees can enjoy pre-show entertainment, explore the food offerings and secure their spot on the lawn before the main Carols program begins at 7pm. We’ve also added a few extra surprises this year, making it a truly magical evening for everyone.”
A line-up of local and national performers will take to the stage, including Ashleigh Dallas, Brad Gill, Brooke Gillett, Buddy Knox, Cara Bastian, Christopher Whallery, Hester Fraser, Peter Ross, Roz Pappalardo, Ryan Sampson and Sally Ann Whitten.
The performers will be accompanied by a 30-piece orchestra, local choirs and dance groups, with the main carols program beginning at 7pm.
One of the evening’s highlights will be the arrival of Santa and Mrs Claus aboard a sleigh led by live reindeer, with families invited to meet the animals and take photographs afterwards.
Visitors will also be able to explore a range of festive food and shopping areas, including Mrs Claus’ Kitchen, Candy Cane Lane and Santa’s Workshop.
The Christmas celebrations will begin before the event, with Tamworth Regional Council launching its 12 Days of Christmas Giveaway.
Local businesses have contributed vouchers, gift cards and other prizes, while each daily giveaway will include a Steggles shop voucher donated by event sponsor Baiada Poultry.
Residents can enter the competitions and follow prize announcements through the council’s social media channels.
Baiada Poultry is returning as the event’s major naming sponsor, continuing its support for the annual community celebration.
Ronald McDonald House and the Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service have again been chosen as the event’s official charities, with funds raised through battery-operated candle sales and a sausage sizzle.
Baiada Poultry Head of Marketing Yash Gandhi said the company was proud to continue supporting the region.
“For more than 60 years, Baiada has been proud to be part of the Tamworth community which is why supporting the people and families who live, and work here remains incredibly important to us.
We’re delighted to return as the naming sponsor of Baiada Carols in the Park in 2026, bringing the community together to celebrate the festive season while giving back to a community that has played such a special part of our story,” said Yash Gandhi, Head of Marketing at Baiada Poultry.”
Baiada Carols in the Park will take place at Bicentennial Park on Saturday, 12 December, from 5pm to 9.30pm.
Entry is free, with residents and visitors encouraged to bring a picnic rug and enjoy an evening of Christmas celebrations.
For more information, visit the Tamworth Region What’s On website and search for ‘Carols’.
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