Acclaimed singer Anna Hawkins is giving the gift of music and song to Bethlehem Baptist Church's family-friendly, annual A Night Before Christmas event this year, as one of the headline acts.

Event organiser Luisa Schroder is thrilled to have Anna on board, with the songstress commenting she'd been to one of the events before and loved how it brought the whole community together.

Singer Anna Hawkins and event organiser Luisa Schroder. Photo: Tracy Hardy.

"Her performing is just delightful and we're thrilled to have her," says Luisa.

Anna is co-headlining this year's celebrations at Mills Reef Winery with Hamilton-based group Late 80s Mercedes, who are described as a high-energy swing band.

'They're known for getting a group up and dancing – and have recently released their own Christmas zlbum - so they were the perfect choice,” says Luisa.

The popular event moved from Bethlehem Town Centreand this is the second time that BBC has held their annual festivities at Mills Reef.

The big difference this year is a Plan B, after the event suffered an unfortunate turn of events last year.

'The weather wasn't on our side,” admits Luisa, 'and although we still had a great turnout, we really suffered by not having the wet weather date secured, which fortunately this year we have sorted.”

Theevent on December 19 (postponement date December 20) is free to enter and guarantees fun for all ages.

In addition to the headlining stars, there will be carol singing, music, drama, choir, dance and a stunning fireworks display to ignite the skies at the end.

Pre-show entertainment and food vendors open from 5.30pm. Bring your Christmas cheer, a chair, a picnic dinner and have your candles ready for Bethlehem's version of Christmas in the Park.