The SPAR Carols By Candlelight presented by Jacaranda FM lit up the season once again, delivering a feel-good evening that lived up to its much-loved reputation.
With a sold-out SunBet Arena in Menlyn, the event brought together families, friends and music lovers for a festive celebration filled with beautiful music, warm moments and a shared spirit of giving. Alongside the entertainment, the concert also raised much-needed funds to support communities in need, making the night even more meaningful.
Audiences were treated to a vibrant line-up of live performances from Elandré, Lee Cole, Zoë Modiga, BlackByrd, Just 6, Ruan du Toit, Charlize Berg, Lloyd Cele, Jesse Clegg and the ever-inspiring Ndlovu Youth Choir, who delivered heartwarming takes on festive favourites.
Adding to the fun, Jacaranda FM’s DJs stepped on stage to connect with the crowd, share a few laughs and keep the holiday cheer flowing—reminding everyone why this annual event remains a highlight of the festive calendar.
Nearly R1 Million raised to brighten 24 communities
With more than 7,000 tickets snapped up ahead of time, the event raised an impressive R927,216 for charitable causes. The impact was felt far beyond the stage: 1,200 children were delighted with Santa Shoeboxes worth R600,000, bringing extra joy to the festive season, while 192 staff members received SPAR hampers valued at R67,200 as a heartfelt thank-you. In celebration of Good Morning Angels’ 20-year milestone, 13 children’s homes and organisations were each awarded R20,000, amounting to R260,000. Altogether, the initiative reached 24 communities across four provinces—beautifully capturing the true spirit of giving back.
A night that gives back
Speaking about the event’s remarkable success, Vuyani Dombo, Managing Director of Jacaranda FM, shared his thoughts:
“SPAR Carols By Candlelight is so much more than a concert; it’s a cherished annual tradition that truly embodies the spirit of giving. The fact that we were a sold-out show and raised nearly a million rand is a huge testament to the heart and kindness of our listeners and our partners at SPAR. Every year, people look forward to this moment of togetherness, and the good it does is profound. It is the perfect blend of world-class entertainment and meaningful community upliftment and we are so grateful to our partners, performers, and listeners for making it such a success,” said Dombo.
Relive the magic on Christmas Eve
Over 10,000 viewers tuned into the livestream, but for those who want to relive the festive cheer or enjoy the concert during Christmas preparations, the full event will be rebroadcast all day on 24 December on www.jacarandafm.com, providing the perfect musical backdrop to Christmas Eve.
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