Jingle All the Way with Townsville’s Iconic Christmas Carollers

The ChoralAires and Christmas in Townsville? They go together like tinsel and trees. 

For nearly four decades, this merry bunch has been belting out carols and spreading festive cheer in our shopping centre and across North Queensland. 

The volunteer choir is led by Kym and Rod Wilson who have racked up an impressive 71 years of carolling magic between them. Talk about iconic!

“When you look at the kids’ faces, it’s just wonderful watching them joining in the songs they know - that’s what it’s all about," Kym said. 

"When you’re standing in the middle of the mall singing Frosty the Snowman, people forget about their worries.”

“Singing has become a major part of our lives, and unless or until, health intervenes, we will continue," Rod said.

Rod joined the choir in 1982 and Kym in 1995, later falling in love and taking on the organising role for the group which also performs at hospitals and aged homes throughout the year. 

“The carolling was quite different back then," Kym recalls. "We used to actually carry an electric piano to the shopping centre when I first started." Even the outfits have changed, with Kym credited for inventing a detachable white collar for the traditional smock in response to Townsville’s heat, replacing the hot layering of shirts. 

Centre Manager at Townsville Shopping Centre, Kelly Taylor-Smith said the carollers are an iconic part of Christmas in Townsville. 

"They put so much heart into bringing smiles to the faces of young and old. We’re so grateful to the carollers for helping us spread festive cheer,” Kelly said. 

The carollers will be performing at 12 noon every Saturday leading up to Christmas at Townsville Shopping Centre. Click here to see performance locations.