CAPTIVATING OPENING NIGHT AT THE LIGHTS OF CHRISTMAS IN 2019

Now in its ninth consecutive year, The Lights of Christmas has been thrilling the thousands of families, who flock to St Mary’s square at this time of year.

The Lights of Christmas has become a very popular event, becoming a favourite on local families’ annual calendar of events, allowing them to share in the Christmas celebrations and experience the spirit and joy of this particular time of year.

This years opening night was attended by special guests, including Archbishop Anthony Fisher, NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian, Paynter Dixon Director, James Boyd and representatives of the numerous supporting organisations.

The celebrated Lights of Christmas opening night – Dominic Sullivan

“Once again PAYCE is honoured to be part of The Lights of Christmas. This much-loved and magical light and sound show has been hosted in St Mary’s Cathedral Square for the past nine years. This year it is brought to you on behalf of St Vincents Health Network transplant program, a very important program that we would very much like to see benefit at this time of year”, noted Mr Dominic Sullivan, PAYCE’s general manager.

The Lights of Christmas has become a traditional family event among many families and extends an open invitation to all Sydneysiders and visitors,” continued Mr Sullivan.

Visitors can come together each night up to and including Christmas night to be captivated by the colourful show projected onto the 75 metre high façade of St Mary’s cathedral.

Red Wiggle charms the children with animated Christmas Kindness at the 2019 Lights of Christmas - Dominic Sullivan

PAYCE Director, Dominic Sullivan said “The entire show starts at 7:30pm and ran until Midnight presenting three segments.

“The first segment of each show featured a different choral performance each night preceding the animated show, with the Sydney Catholic Schools Performing Arts choir and Youth Ministry Band entertaining the audience on opening night”, noted Mr Sullivan. “The second segment of the show was composed of a 12 minute children’s story called Christmas Kindness written and narrated by Red Wiggle, Simon Pryce.

“The theme of this year’s show was the “Gift of Giving at Christmas”, Christmas Kindness tells a story - about a toy Robot called Roger,” continued Dominic Sullivan. “Not to give to much away - Roger feels overlooked when it comes to new toys and the story follows him on his journey as he makes new friends and helps others find the joy of Christmas through the gift of giving.

Mr Sullivan said “PAYCE was proud to help bring the true spirit of Christmas to life in this year’s animated production, Christmas Kindness”.

“Following the animated presentation, the third segment of the evening featured the magnificent sound and light show projected onto the magnificent façade of St Mary’s Cathedral which displayed traditional artworks depicting the Madonna and Child which showcased the essence of the Christmas story, honouring the beauty of the relationship between mother and child.

St Vincent`s Health Network to receive Cristmas benefit – Dominic Sulivan

This year, for the first time, the event has a worthy major fundraising partner in St Vincent’s Health Network Sydney’s “Heart and Lungs in a Box” transplant program, which will be the recipient of the event appeal.

The St Vincent’s transplantation program performs approximately 25-30 heart and 60 lung transplants each year, it is the only heart and lung transplantation program in NSW and is a major referral centre for metropolitan and rural communities as well as South Australia.

Funds raised will support the new Organ Care System known as ‘Heart and Lungs in the Box’ which is a donor care system developed by researchers at St Vincent’s and abroad. The cost for this innovation is $50,000 per use and the funds raised at this year’s The Lights of Christmas will help St Vincent’s continue to offer this life saving device.

The Lights of Christmas presented by Paynter Dixon is hosted by the Archdiocese of Sydney, along with presenting partner, Paynter Dixon. Supporting sponsors include the NSW Government, the Australian Catholic University, the Technical Direction Company, PAYCE, Catholic Super, Bar Coco, the City of Sydney and Chas Clarkson.