WATCH VIDEO AND LISTEN: Magical voices reigned annual Carols by Candlelight

The Jacaranda and Spar Carols by Candlelight conveyed Pretoria residents to a Christmas wonderland on Thursday evening at Loftus Versfeld.

Also read: This years Carols by Candlelight will leave you with shivers

Residents could look forward to performances by Lloyd Cele, Kurt Darren, Elvis Blue, Swing City, Charlize Berg and the Soweto Gospel Choir.

Listen sound clip:

Minisha Patel, marketing manager of Jacaranda FM said: “The Carols by Candlelight initially started over a decade ago because the radio station wanted to give back to the community, and thank their listeners for ongoing support.”

Co-sponsor Spar also wanted to show their gratitude towards clients who keep supporting them with unending loyalty.

Also read: Carols by Candlelight with top artists

“The only ‘entrance fee’ required was a toy. All the toys will be distributed to about 10 different beneficiaries such as the Child Welfare Tshwane, Heartbeat and Hanna organisations,” she said.

“The goal with collecting all of these toys is so that less fortunate children can also experience the magic of Christmas.”

Listen sound clip:

Approximately 20 000 people attended the event, dropping off toys, socialising, laughing and talking while Christmas fever was tangible in the air.

Children had a feast with fantasy characters walking around and handing out gifts, flashing toys, and a kiddie’s corner sponsored by Spar with face painting and a jumping castle.

Listen sound clip:

The lineup and the individual Pretoria and Johannesburg Carols by Candlelight shows differ each year, said Patel.

“It is important to invite artists who residents can relate to, feel comfortable with, and whom they enjoy listening to,” she said.

Watch video:

One of the many highlights of the evening was the Keynote Singers from the Waterkloof House Preparatory School.

Jacaranda FM hosted a competition for school choirs over the past few weeks searching for one choir to sing alongside top acts on stage at the Pretoria event.

The Complimentary Breakfast with Rian van Heerden, finally announced the winner on 28 November out of hundreds of entries.

This is one performance the Keynote Singers will never forget.

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The Jacaranda FM and Spar Carols by Candlelight was an absolute majestic evening to enjoy together as a nation, taking some well-deserved time off from a busy and eventful 2016 to truly acknowledge the wonder and joy of another hot South African Christmas season.