LAST year’s Carols in the Caves was cancelled because of Covid, but the group managed to get together in July for a reunion catch up. FILE PHOTO
CAROLS in the Caves will celebrate its 30th anniversary concert this year, just a year later than expected. Like the Olympics, the Waitomo Caves based concert had to take a break due to Covid-19 restrictions and risks. This year marks the 31st year since the Christmas concerts started but just the 30th concert because the community was in lockdown through the key preparation time for the choir last year. Waitomo Music Society president Katrin Woemer said things would be pretty much back to normal this year, but the group was still being cautious about not spreading the virus, including testing before every practice. Although there was good interest from young people in carrying on the tradition for the group, there would be no children singing at this year’s event, Katrin said. “We’ll have them again hopefully next year because it was just all too hard. “We’re still practicing in masks because singing is a fairly high-risk activity.” The community would be welcome back into the Cathedral cave for the concerts up to the venue’s capacity of about 200 people, which was primarily in place to manage carbon dioxide levels. Attendees would get to see the group perform a mix of favourites from the past three decades and some newer tunes. Christmas spirit Katrin said the group was looking forward to bringing some Christmas spirit back this year. “We, the people who sing, put in a lot of time but we do it for the community and we’re supported by them. “Every year we’re blown away by the people who help. “It makes you grateful to live in a small community.” Katrin said it was sad to see three founding members retire this year, but members of the younger generation have shown an interest in getting involved. “It’s exciting to see and we love singing with them.” Carols will be performed at Waitomo Caves from 7pm on December 9, 10 and 11. Tickets are available from Monday and entry is by a suggested donation of $20. Because of the capacity limits inside the caves every person attending, including children, will need a ticket but a koha is not expected for every member of a family. Tickets can be reserved by visiting or phoning the Waitomo i-SITE, located inside the Waitomo Museum of Caves. Attendees should arrive 30 minutes prior to the performance starting to collect their tickets. Katrin recognised sometimes people would reserve tickets in advance and then realise closer to the date they could no longer attend. She urged anyone in that situation to get in contact with the i-SITE so their ticket could be reallocated to those who may be on the waiting list.
