Carols in the pub – Queensland style!

The Centenary Corps brass ensemble plays (left) as patrons at the Royal Exchange Hotel in Brisbane belt out Christmas carols.

Christmas carolling is one of The Salvation Army’s strengths. Whether it’s street carolling, carols in the park or brass ensembles in the shopping centre, the Salvos are known for being out and about bringing Christmas cheer through song.

At Centenary Corps in Brisbane, they go a step further and take their carolling ministry right to the heart of the local community – the pub!

The annual carols at the Royal Exchange Hotel in Toowong – a combined event of the Toowong Fishing Club and the Centenary Corps – attracted up to 300 patrons on Friday night, 12 December.

“It was one of those nights that remind us why this tradition at the Royal Exchange Hotel is so special,” said Stephen Cardiff, Corps Sergeant Major at Centenary Salvos.

“Our brass ensemble brought the carols to life, the singing was heartfelt (and enthusiastic!), and the atmosphere was everything Christmas should be – welcoming, joyful and shared together.”

(Top) The Centenary Corps brass ensemble bringing musical accompaniment to a hotel packed with carol singers. External Communications Manager Rendle Williams (far left) and his band of merry men. Centenary Corps members Anthony Percival and Jo Woolston in their Christmas hats.

The annual event began in about 1977, when the Toowong Corps band held an open-air meeting, playing carols under a tree across the road. Pub patrons called them over to play the carols at the front of the Royal Exchange Hotel – and a tradition was born.

“My wife Julie was at the original carols,” said Stephen. “Over many years of faithful hotel collecting by officers and soldiers of Toowong/Centenary Corps, a relationship was built, and each year since we have been invited back to share the Christmas joy with them. 

“One long-term patron of the carols and his family travelled from Yeppoon (North Queensland) to be here this year!”

Royal Exchange Hotel patrons in full song at the annual Salvos Christmas carols at the pub event.

Patrons say the carols are about “family, friendship and tradition” which has developed over nearly 50 years at the Royal Exchange Hotel carols.

“We see it as an opportunity to proclaim the coming of Christ in a joyful, fun way and meet with people from the hotel community who have become friends,” Stephen said.

“This year, the funds raised ($3000) have paid for our Christmas food and gift vouchers for people in the Centenary community doing it tough.

“We can’t wait to do it all again next year!”