That magical, wonderful tradition of families getting together in Bicentennial Park for an evening of candles, carol and community cheer is run on a shoestring and could do with a good dollop of Santa spirit in the way of some sponsor dollars.

The event has a number of generous sponsors and some charity in the way of goodwill publicity, but the carols organisers would love some new gifts from wise men in business – just to ensure they can emerge from it without too much debt to be borne by the church organisers and look to doing another good one next Christmas.

Last year’s carols might have seen a good roll-up of families and carollers, a steady stream of coins go into the coffers for the candles and glo-lights, and a magic evening of singing under the stars – but it didn’t cover the cost  by a long shot.

St Peter’s Anglican church stumped up most of the shortfall but steering committee spokesman Paul Crosby hopes it won’t be a burden on them again.

The carols night has been a festive event for decades and the collective of a few city church denominations has been running the current series for the past seven years.

According to Mr Crosby, the Saturday night before Christmas is a Tamworth tradition that rolls together the wonder of Christmas and the Aussie community spirit.

Despite the gloom of financial stress, he’s more than optimistic about the event.

“It’s shaping up to be a delightful night,” Mr Crosby said.

The nominated charity to receive some proceeds from the open-air singalong is the Bush Church Aid Society and its drought-relief arm.

The carols begin at 6.30pm tonight and will go through to after 9pm, although 8.30pm is generally the designated bedtime departure for many with small children.

There will be a barbecue run by Lions, a brass band, pipe band, combined churches choir, special guest artist Jake Nauta, and a school singing group to help you sing along.