A Christmas community fixture will be coming back to Russell after a three-year hiatus.
Pompallier Mission and New Zealand’s oldest church, Christ Church in Russell, will join forces with other organisations to present the Christmas Carols @ Pompallier concert for the first time since COVID impacted the world.
The concert will begin at 6pm on Saturday, December 23 (gates open at 5.30).
Local groups and soloists will perform traditional festive favourites as well as modern Christmas songs as part of the show, which is a joined event organised by Christ Church, the Oasis Baptist Church as well as volunteers from the Kororāreka community.
Concert-goers will also have the opportunity to sing along to some favourite Christmas Carols, and the show is guaranteed to put a seasonal smile on people’s faces according to Cornelia Schmidt of Pompallier Mission who will be MC for the concert.
“Christmas Carols @ Pompallier is a fun musical event for the whole whānau and we always invite families to bring a picnic,” says Cornelia.
“This year for the first time we have added the ‘Best Dressed Elf / Angel’ award for those who really want to celebrate the season.”
Admission to Christmas Carols @ Pompallier is free to everybody, though in the spirit of the season the hat will be passed around for gold coin donations to raise money for Hospice Mid North. (Alternative wet weather venue – Christ Church in Russell).
And on November 30, people will have the chance to do a bit of early Christmas shopping in one of the loveliest places in the country.
Pompallier Mission, the historic printery in Russell cared for by Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga, will keep its gift shop open a little later than usual to encourage locals and visitors to Russell to enjoy a little Christmas shopping before things get crazy.
With its views of the Bay of Islands and its garden free for shoppers to explore at leisure, it’s hard to imagine a more pleasant Christmas shopping experience according to Pompallier Mission Visitor Serices Coordinator Cornelia Schmidt.
“We’ll be offering a storewide 10 per cent discount on the amazing stock we have in our shop – much of it only available here – and we’ll even be laying on some Christmassy nibbles to help people get in the spirit of the season.”
And if that isn’t enough, people who join Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga will go in the draw to win a prize – as well as enjoy the many benefits of membership.
“This is the first time we’ve offered this service to people, and we’re looking forward to providing a lovely, enjoyable environment for those wanting to get ahead on their present buying,” she says.
“We’re hoping that people might even enjoy Christmas shopping for once!”
Join Pompallier Mission for a ‘Merry and Mercantile’ start to the festive season – Thursday November 30, 4-6.30pm.
