It’s been part of the Australian Christmas tradition for 43 years – watching Carols in the Domain. And Channel 7 Sunrise stars Natalie Barr and Matt Shirvington cannot wait to host all the fun, they tell NL.
Mosman locals Natalie Barr and Matt Shirvington will once again guide a live audience of 50,000 – and millions of viewers across Australia – through carols and Christmas fun at The Salvation Army’s Carols in the Domain.
Natalie, who has hosted her fair share of Carols during her 23 years on Sunrise, says the evening is ‘a beautiful, joyous and safe’ event. “It really marks the end of the year and the time of the year. Most people have finished or are finishing work and can sit back and really look back at the year and think, ‘Okay, it was either a hard year and we can put it behind us, or celebrate the year.’”
The event always features some of Australia’s best performers, and this year Carols favourite and Australian Idol judge Marcia Hines will sing her very own Christmas song. “It’s going to get you up and dancing!” Matt says.
Multi-ARIA-award winning Budjerah returns, having just released new single Want You Back, as he gets ready to release his debut album. The Coodjinburra man from the Bundjalung nation has a string of collaborations to his name, including Ed Sheeran and PNAU.
And of course The Wiggles, who have been involved with Carols for over three decades, will once again prepare everyone for Santa’s arrival – with viral dancing sensation Tree of Wisdom ready to rev up the crowd.
“I love the idea of Carols bringing people together,” reflects Matt. And one of the most important messages of the night is highlighted by the involvement of The Salvation Army, which this year has been announced as naming partner. “They’ve been involved in the Carols for 42 years,” says Matt. “Every Australian deserves to have some sort of festive cheer at this time of year, and The Salvos allow for that to happen.
Hosts Natalie Barr and Matt Shirvington
“It may be one of the smallest things (like) a little hamper, it may be a conversation. It could be the smallest of things that makes the biggest difference. “It can be a very lonely time of year as well, when people are reuniting with families, and The Salvos become a surrogate family for so many people.”
Natalie recalls that when she first moved to Sydney from Western Australia over 30 years ago, one of the first things she did was attend Carols.
“I had always watched from afar, so I went with a couple of friends, and we brought our picnic and sat on our rug. And we were just so thrilled to be there. So when I was asked to host it (all those years ago), I couldn’t believe I was actually up on the big set and looking out on all the happy faces.
“Every face is looking back at you smiling and singing and that is the most beautiful event.”
The duo say they will be singing along heartily with the crowd – but not loud enough for people to hear. “I do sing very quietly, just in case that microphone picks me up, because I don’t want to ruin it for all the others that can actually sing,” Matt jokes.
“That’s why they put us on a separate stage,” quips Natalie. “So finally we can hear ourselves.”
Book your tickets to The Salvos Carols in the Domain through carolsinthedomain. com/tickets or watch on Channel 7 and 7 Plus, 20 December from 8pm.
