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THOUSANDS have packed Rosalind Park in the heart of Bendigo for the 44th annual Community Carols.
As families fill the park to find a spot on the grass, organisers are confident everything is in place to make this year one to remember.
The Rotary Club of Bendigo is the main organiser of the event and is involved in everything from logistics, to food and Christmas costumes.
Barry Penna was manning the sausage sizzle and said they had 5000 sausages and 20 kilograms of onions to feed the hungry hoards.
Bendigo audio company Power AV has set up 50 speakers, 1.5 kilometres of cable and 20 microphones to make sure no ears have to strain to sing along to the carols.
The Wilkinson family and their friends have set up the lighting for the evening.
David Wilkinson has done it every year for 25 years for no pay.
But he doesn't mind because it's an excuse to be with his children and friends.
"If I didn't have them I would not even attempt to do it," he said.
Rotary member Jim Mahoney was on the first carols committee in 1970 and has been an organiser every year since.
Mr Mahoney said the Community Carols had become more professional over time, with proper audio equipment.
Mother Bree Knox managed to find a spot close to the stage so she could have a good view of the Bendigo Youth Choir.
As a child she used to perform with the choir every year but stopped once she had a baby.
It's her first time back at Community Carols in ten years and her daughter Ella is experiencing it for the first time.
City of Greater Bendigo mayor Peter Cox said it was wonderful to see so many people coming out to celebrate together.
Cr Cox said while Christmas was a great time for most people, it was sometimes a sad time for others and encouraged people to welcome those in need into their homes.
He also said this time of year reminded him of the diversity in the community.
Earlier today, Cr Cox attended the Karen community's new year celebrations in Strathdale.