Avondale’s Carolfest to drive Christmas spirit
- Emily Stewart
- 5 hours ago
- 2 min read
Avondale United Church’s annual Carolfest will get visitors ready for the holidays with lots of performances, including getting the audience to sing along.
Avondale will have their annual Carolfest on Nov. 29 starting at 7 p.m. The event will be hosted by award-winning actress Laura Condlln, who had multiple performing roles at the Stratford Festival over the years including Miss Hannigan in the 2025 production of Annie. Carolfest will also feature guest speaker David Prosser, a writer and editor with several Stratford Festival publications, and performances by the Stratford District Secondary School Jazz Concert Combo band, the Stratford Concert Band and the Carolfest Choir.
"It's really an evening that encompasses all the arts,” said Avondale community engagement coordinator Aleah Graff.
The church will accept free will donations for the Stratford House of Blessing Food Bank and Toy Drive, ensuring families in need receive holiday cheer.
“The need is always greater and greater every year, it seems,” said Carolfest organizer Doris Barkley.
"Especially around Christmastime with their toy drive so it's really important to be able to contribute in that way and make sure that every child has the holiday that they deserve,” Graff added.
"And food on the table,” said Barkley.
The audience at Carolfest can expect interactive performances.
"There will be lots of singing and we get the audience participating so it's not just a concert that you're sitting and listening to, but you're actually getting involved yourself and getting in the spirit of Christmas,” Barkley said.
Graff is looking forward to the multi-generational line up.
"It's nice seeing the talents come together, the older generation influencing the younger generations and vice-versa. For me, that really screams community when we're able to work intergenerationally."
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