AT just 12, Ebony Wickham will be one of the newcomers to the stage at this year’s Christmas Carols in the Park but the Killarney schoolgirl is no stranger to public performance.

She stepped into the spotlight as an eight-year-old and has confidently held the microphone or danced through every opportunity since.

Her mother Robyn is the first to admit it is invariably a case of maternal nerves pre-show, with her eldest daughter made of sterner stuff.

“I am usually so nervous for her I can’t hold the camera steady, while Ebony is completely calm,” Mrs Wickham said.

“So I think she’ll be fine performing in Warwick.”

Ebony has sung her way through the Killarney Carols twice, performed the national anthem at the local rugby league grand final, danced for seven years and excelled at more major performances than your average primary school star. She was a joint winner of Warwick’s Got Talent in October.

The youngster will join a bevy of new talent at this year’s Warwick Carols in Leslie Park on December 19.

Newcomers to the two and a half-hour program include former Warwick Daily News journalist Julian Luke, along with Allora’s Katie Dennis and the winners of the Warwick High School Talent Quest, The Late Arrivals.

Carols organiser Tracy Vellacott said the event would be a mix of traditional and contemporary carols.

“We will feature crowd favourites like Erin Hilton, Caitlin Alley and deputy mayor Peter Blundell along with a cast of exciting young performers,” Mrs Vellacott said.

“The gorgeous Julian Luke will be new to the program, I believe he also has a gig performing at the Rockhampton Community Carols to an audience of about 8000.

“Others who will step up to show their talents will be musicians Andrew Kucks, Justin Alley and Breanna Smith along with father and son, Phillip and Ben Vellacott.

“Our backing band for the night will be the Jingle Bell Boys and a Little Lady.

“The night will start with a mass choir, including the East Street Singers and the Warwick Men’s Gospel Choir.”

Mrs Vellacott said families would be able to grab a dinner from food stalls operated by the Lions and Rotary clubs.

The Warwick City Band will be on stage to entertain the patrons from 5.30pm.

“We are fortunate to have such a lot of musical talent in our region,” Mrs Vellacott said.

“And we are also lucky to have generous local businesses, who throw their support behind one of the city’s biggest community events.”

Stage set

Christmas Carols in Leslie Park on Sunday, December 19

Entertainment kicks off from 5.30pm

Children are encouraged to come along as angels or elves or their favourite Christmas character

For more information contact Tracy Vellacott 4661 0300