Presented by the Newcastle Herald, about 1000 people braved the damp conditions to join Hunter singers Bella Voce, Susan Jon Rose and James Cassar for a celebration of all things Christmas.

The jolly man in red was also a crowd favourite, and so popular hundreds of children were donning Santa costumes.

The Hill’s Susan Crawford, who was there with her family, has attended Carols by Candlelight for more than a decade. “It’s a bit of an annual tradition,” she said. Luke and Jessica Wheeler, of Nelson Bay, said they came even though it was bucketing down when they left home. “The kids still love it,” Mr Wheeler said. Craig Hunter, of Raymond Terrace, said it was his daughter Aria’s first Christmas. “She loves the music,” he said.

Youth worker Geraldine Moran was saluted for her tireless efforts to establish the Centre for Hope, winning the 2016 the Hunter Hero Award.