IN PICTURES: 73rd edition of Carols by Candlelight at Ellen Cove proves a hit, with hundreds lining the beach

Ellen Cove was awash with festive spirit on Saturday evening as hundreds of carollers flocked to the beach decked in their best Christmas jumpers and hats for Carols by Candlelight. Hosted by the City of Albany band rather than the usual Apex Club, the 73rd edition of the carols had crowds lining the sand, grass and amphitheatre steps of Middleton Beach from 6pm to secure the best vantage points. Merry-makers rugged up against the coastal breeze and were treated to gorgeous skies as the sun set, switching on their battery-powered candles and their phone torches to add to the atmosphere. While a swarm of eager kids danced front and centre to the crowd favourites such as Jingle Bells, Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer, and I Saw Mummy Kissing Santa Claus, older people joined the Albany Light Opera House Choir in song for the classics.