Lord Mayor’s Christmas Carols cast announcement

The Lord Mayor’s Christmas Carols returns to light up Brisbane’s Riverstage on Saturday 10 December 2022 following the tree-mendous success of the new-look extravaganza in 2021.

The two-hour spectacle of song and celebration showcases some of Australia’s best and brightest stars and again draws inspiration from Radio City Music Hall’s renowned holiday variety shows.

Produced by The Little Red Company and hosted by Queensland’s first lady of song, Naomi Price, the unmissable event welcomes a cavalcade of superstars from stage, screen and song to entertain audiences of all ages, including Sheppard, Johnny Manuel, and star of the smash-hit musical Mary Poppins, Stefanie Jones.

Australia’s kings of swing, Swing on This, featuring Luke Kennedy, Matt Lee, Ben Mingay and Bert LaBonté – making his debut performance with the quartet – croon their way through Christmas classics and festive favourites.

Powerhouse vocalists Lai Utovou, Prinnie Stevens and Rachel Everett-Jones, soprano Eva Kong, and Alinta Chidzey (star of Moulin Rouge! The Musical) all make their Lord Mayor’s Christmas Carols debut, alongside popular returnees Jem Cassar-Daley, Irena Lysiuk and Angela Fabian.

Audience favourites The Jingle Belles return in 2022 with 18 elite, hand-picked dancers set to dazzle under the direction of superstar choreographer Kate Wormald.

Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner :

The success of the new format in 2021 cemented the Lord Mayor’s Christmas Carols as Queensland’s preeminent carols celebration.

Like so many other Brisbane residents, Christmas is my favourite time of year and the Lord Mayor’s Christmas Carols is always a sign that the festive season is in full swing in our city.

The carols bring so much joy to so many people and I am incredibly proud to showcase some of Brisbane’s most talented artists and performers to the rest of the country.

I encourage residents to come join us at Brisbane’s Riverstage and enjoy plenty of world-class entertainment and Christmas cheer under the stars.

Lord Mayor’s Christmas Carols Executive Producer and Host Ms Price:

Audiences of all ages would be entertained by uplifting music, soaring vocals, visual treats, no shortage of Christmas surprises and a stocking-full of heart.

We were overwhelmed by the national response last year, cementing the Lord Mayor’s Christmas Carols as Australia’s new favourite Christmas tradition.

We take our role as Santa’s Little Helper very seriously and remain committed to creating a seasonal celebration that spotlights the very best of Brisbane.

Auslan interpretation, audio description, on-screen captioning and dedicated access for wheelchair users meant more people have the opportunity to enjoy a truly accessible Lord Mayor’s Christmas Carols.

I am delighted that Shannon Kettleton will join us again, following her show-stopping rendition of Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas’ performed entirely in Auslan last year.

It’s an honour to showcase diverse artists and art forms and share these magical moments with audiences across the country.

The Lord Mayor’s Christmas Carols 2022 is presented in partnership with Transurban and ANZ and authentic partnerships are at the core of creative success.

This year we welcome new partners Transurban, ANZ and Queen’s Wharf, along with returning partners NBC Universal, Brisbane BMW and Hotel X. Our theme this year is ‘from little things, big things grow’ and our partners are pivotal in growing this hallmark event to an ambitious showcase of Australia’s world-class talent.

Transurban Queensland Group Executive Sue Johnson said their Christmas wish this year is that everyone takes care on the roads and makes every journey a safe one.

Ms Johnson:

The holiday season is such a magical time of year and we are excited to be supporting an iconic community event in Brisbane.

This year, the Lord Mayor’s Christmas Carols partners with the Lord Mayor’s Charitable Trust which provides critical grants and support to local and grassroots charities.

The 2022 Lord Mayor’s Christmas Carols is on Saturday 10 December at Riverstage, Brisbane with gates opening at 4pm and pre-show entertainment from 6pm.

The 2022 Lord Mayor’s Christmas Carols is broadcast in its entirety on Friday 16 December 2022 at 7.30pm on 9 Queensland and again nationwide on Christmas Day morning.

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