BANFF – Last year, Banff went without its annual Christmas community concert due to the fact the venue was under construction.
This year, organizers could not let another holiday go by without sharing their Christmas spirit through song with the community, valley and entire world with an online event.
Banff musicians Aurora Claire Borin and Heather Jean Jordan will be live-streaming Home fo the Holidays: A Banff Community Christmas Concert on Dec. 18 at 6 p.m.
Borin said while COVID-19 restrictions on gatherings may prevent the annual tradition from being held on the brand new Jenny Belzberg Theatre stage at the Banff Centre, the event can still deliver a holly jolly good time online.
"It is going to be accessible online to anybody who wants to tune into our website," she said. "You do not have to be in Banff to tune in ... all you have to do is sit down, have some holiday cheer and take part in the feeling of togetherness."
The last community Christmas concert was held in 2018, in what was then the Eric Harvie Theatre, with a crowd capacity of more than 900 seats. Last year, the theatre was under construction for upgrades to become the Jenny Belzberg Threatre, which has since been completed.
However, restrictions on gathering and performances due to the coronavirus make it impossible to host the concert this year at the Banff Centre.
"Heather and I just thought that this needs to happen," Borin said. "It is a community tradition and it didn't happen last year because the theatre was under construction. This year we can't do it again, but we think that people need that point of light to look forward to over the holidays."
She said it might look different, but Banff will still get a chance to connect with friends and neighbours to celebrate the holidays through songs. And there will be a few surprises along the way.
"We will be singing carols and inviting people to sing carols in their home along with us," Borin said. "There will also be pre-recorded videos from around town."
Those videos include local elders and well-known groups, as well as a recorded message from every class at Banff Elementary School.
Revealing the Christmas tree is always a highlight of the concert and this year, organizers are encouraging residents to share pictures of their decorated tree for a slideshow presentation.
Organizers have incorporated other ways to get involved, including downloadable colouring sheets and decorations on the website. The event will also be a fundraiser for the YWCA Banff.
Borin suggested those watching the livestream also wear their best Christmas sweater and enjoy their favourite seasonal beverage like egg nog with fresh nutmeg.
"Let's keep the cheer going for the rest of December," Borin said.
The bells of St.-George's-in-the-Pines will also be featured in the livestream. Jordan made headlines this spring by playing the church's bells daily to lift the spirits of Banff residents during the lockdown.
"We really wanted to not only continue that, but harken back to that feeling too," Borin said. "I also want to give an amazing shout out to the generosity in this community.
"When Heather and I sat down in August and decided to do this, I do not think either of us truly understood or guessed how big this was going to be and how many people were willing to be involved and donate their goods, expertise or time."
The livstream event is free and will be re-streamed on Dec. 20 at 2 p.m. and Dec. 21 at 6 p.m. It will not, however, be available as a video online afterwards.
"We are not putting this up to be accessed anytime," Borin said. "We will run it live and do two re-streams and if you want to watch, you have to do it at those times."
Those that wish to send photos for the slideshow can do so by emailing [email protected] before Dec. 10, or go to the Facebook event page to RSVP, or the website for more information. Home for the Holidays Banff is also on Instagram.
