Christmas concert, Manly: Capacity crowds fill oval as others left outside

The concert was held at Manly Oval, with the lucky families who got there early enjoying a choir and range of musicians including Jai Laga'aia and Prinnie Stevens. The big man in red, Santa, also paid a visit to the event.

Despite the festive fun inside the oval, many were left outside as the crowds hit capacity and a 'full house' sign went up outside. There were reports of tears from children and frustration from adults who'd planned a night out.

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A council spokeswoman said to comply Public Health Orders, numbers had to be capped at 4900 people and all communication let people know there were capacity limits and encouraged them to arrive early. Gates opened at 5pm and we reached capacity at 6.39pm (the concert started at 6.30pm)

"As one of the first big events back after COVID lockdowns, we recognised there was likely to be a high demand for the event and debated the merits of ticketing," she said. "Our experience over the last few years of ticketing free events, is that only around half the numbers of tickets are used, leaving a half empty event and precluding many others from enjoying it.

"The decision not to ticket was based on this experience and our desire to ensure as many people as possible were able to enjoy the event on the night."

Council CEO Ray Brownlee said he understood some people were disappointed, but that health orders forced the restricted capacity.

"We all hope that next year we'll be able to return to full capacity so no one misses out," he said.

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Northern Beaches Council's next community festive event is on Friday, December 10 with Christmas by the Beach at James Meehan Reserve in Dee Why.

The free family event will feature carols along with children's entertainment including: PAW Patrol, and Join Ryder, Chase and Marshall as they answer Mayor Goodway's call for help to save the Adventure Bay Talent Show. Gates open at 4pm and the event runs from 5-7.30pm.

"We'd encourage people planning to attend the Dee Why Christmas by the Beach event to arrive when gates open, be ready to QR code in and show your vaccination certificate," Mr Brownlee said.

On December 18, Carols by the Lake is being held at Narrabeen Lake and under the NSW Roadmap no restriction on numbers will be in place.

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