Fireworks and Carols by Candlelight cancelled for Christmas due to COVID

Ararat Rural City Council chief executive officer Dr Tim Harrison said the unpredictable nature of the pandemic had made planning challenging.

"The carols and fireworks are run in Ararat by a community organisation the Y's Men's Club," he said.

"Council met with them a week ago and together, it was decided that the carols would not go ahead in 2020 as it was difficult to plan with any certainty, given the COVID-19 restrictions."

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Ararat Y Men's Club president Joe Perry said the easing of restrictions had happened too late to make holding the events feasible.

"At the time when we approached the council and spoke about having them, all outdoor and big events had been cancelled throughout the state," he said.

"Even though we were thinking of running it a different way, there was no way we could comply with the restrictions

"By the time restrictions were eased there was no time to prepare. Carols by Candlelight usually takes four to five months to prepare."

Mr Perry said further logistical problems also contributed to the decision to cancel the events.

"If they were to go ahead we would have to gain funding for them," he said.

"In the past Wisemen have always financed the event and council has always financed the event. But due to COVID, the Wisemen have not been able to raise the funds."

Dr Harrison said council was eager for normal celebrations to resume next year.

"Council has produced a Christmas tree lighting video that will be released soon. We look forward to the return of the Carols and Fireworks in 2021."

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