Street entertainment

RETAILERS hope live entertainment in central Dandenong will spruce up the streets and attract shoppers to the city this Christmas.
The free entertainment is being organised by the Dandenong Retail Traders’ Association and the City of Greater Dandenong and will run on 18, 21 and 22 December between 11am and 1pm.
DRTA chairman Roy Aspinall said the entertainment followed similar events in previous years that had proven very popular with shoppers looking for that spirited retail experience.
“We appreciate the support of the City of Greater Dandenong and it adds so much to the general feeling of goodwill in what is the state’s largest shopping precinct outside of Melbourne Central,” he said.
There will be a variety of entertainment sure to thrill the young – and young at heart.
Entertainment will be as follows:
•Jen Hawley the Singing Stilt walker – Tuesday 18 December
•Leonie the Angel Stilt walker – Friday 21 December
•Jaq the Stilt walker – Saturday 22 December
•Ralph the Juggler – Tuesday, Friday and Saturday.
•Singing Christmas Tree – Tuesday, Friday and Saturday.
Mr Aspinall said the other major Christmas event in central Dandenong was Carols By Candlelight in Dandenong Park, Pultney Street, to be held on Friday 21 December at 7pm.
“Celebrating its 60th year, the event was originally a ‘thank you’ from the traders to the people of Dandenong for supporting them throughout the year,” he said.
This year’s Carols By Candlelight is supported by the Dandenong Plaza and the City of Greater Dandenong and organised by the Greater Dandenong Chamber of Commerce.
The show will feature popular singers Julie Anthony and Simon Gallaher, soprano Cheryl MacDonald and Dandenong Youth Aria winner Jacqueline Porter.
The Dandenong Choral Society choir and the Greater Dandenong Band will support them. Humphrey B Bear will also make an appearance.
Father Christmas is due to make a surprise arrival at 8.53pm.
The evening will conclude with a Grand Finale of spectacular fireworks.