East Melbourne community Christmas Picnic

The gates of the majestic Bishopscourt estate will open to welcome members of the East Melbourne community to celebrate Christmas with an afternoon of music and entertainment on Sunday, December 17.

The event will be held in the estate’s spectacular gardens offering a peek behind the bluestone walls.

The 30-plus voices of Rechoired, a community choir from Surrey Hills, will perform carols and other seasonal favourites.

Their repertoire includes pop, folk and classical songs in three- or four-part harmony.

Local soloists Lino Del Grudice, Alexandra Lidgerwood, and her father, John Lidgerwood, will also sing traditional and modern songs.

Youngsters can join in the fun with face painting and cheer on Santa when he pays an early Christmas visit during the afternoon handing out lollies from a fire truck. 

East Melbourne Neighbourhood Network president Susan Henderson said she looked forward to the whole community getting together for a happy afternoon.

“I think the audience will love the variety of the entertainment and hopefully will sing a long,” Ms Henderson said.

“A Connected Community grant from the City of Melbourne supports our picnic which is a joint project with the East Melbourne Group.”

“The grants are a great initiative that spurs locals and organisations to run events like this.”

Residents are encouraged to invite neighbours and friends and bring a rug or fold-up chairs, a picnic hamper, and drinks.

Ms Henderson said East Melbourne Neighbourhood Network would take pre-orders for hampers for those who run short of time.

“We look forward to a wonderful afternoon in beautiful surrounds celebrating the festive season with our community and friends.”

Located at 120 Clarendon St, East Melbourne, Bishopscourt was founded in 1848.

It is one of the oldest properties in East Melbourne and is the official residence of the Anglican Archbishop of Melbourne. 

It is the last intact urban estate within the City of Melbourne.

The Community Picnic will run from 2pm to 5pm. The event is free of charge, but cash donations on entry are welcomed.

Contact [email protected] for information and to pre-order hampers. •