A Christmas tradition turns 30 as Denis Walter brings festive cheer to Geelong

Key points

• Carols by the Bay, a free Christmas event on the Geelong waterfront, is marking its 30th year. Denis Walter started the carols in 1997 after noticing Geelong had no waterfront Christmas celebration.
• Geelong mayor Stretch Kontelj says the event brings families together and draws about 20,000 people each year. This year's event will run alongside Christmas markets and a minibus of flash mob elves.
• The carols begin at 7pm on November 21 at Steampacket Gardens, alongside the lighting of a floating Christmas tree.