Robina local, Burty to help spark festive fun at Division 11 Carols

Television weatherman, fishing guru and all-around outdoorsman, Paul ‘Burty’ Burt, is one of Robina’s most famous faces (read our previous insideR profile on why Paul loves Robina here).

This year, he will be taking to the stage to whip carolers into a festive frenzy as MC at one of the city’s most popular Christmas events, Carols by the Lake in Varsity Lakes.

The insideR team spoke to Paul about what Christmas means to him and his family, and we find out a little more about what we can expect from a carols by candlelight in our own backyard.

insideR: Merry Christmas, Burty! What does Christmas typically look like at the Burt household?

PB: Lots of food, family and wrapping paper!  We traditionally love hosting a big Christmas Eve dinner with all the trimmings, and have a more laid back Christmas Day.  Christmas Day for us is all about our boys – not rushing them to open their presents, and just enjoying a day with them eating, swimming and relaxing at home. Spending time together as a family is the most important thing.

insideR: What are you up to for Christmas this year?

PB: We’ve spent many a Christmas on the Gold Coast over the years, but this year we are actually sneaking away overseas for the festive season, which we are really looking forward to.

insideR: So you’re heading overseas this year, but we’re sure you’ve had plenty of Christmases at home in Robina in the past. As a long-time local, why is Robina so great during the festive season?

PB: The local community puts on some fantastic events for the whole family, not to mention all the Christmas lights in the area. We always make sure we take the kids around to all the houses to check out the lights – that really gets us into a festive mood.

insideR: Robina is renowned as somewhere you can live, work and play. As a local of many years, where do you like to spend your time when you’re at home for Christmas?

PB: Well, if I told you it wouldn’t be a secret! That’s the beauty of a lot of the spots in our area.  Honestly, we’ve lived in Robina for more than 10 years and we definitely have spots we love to frequent over Christmas – there are too many to mention! We are still getting introduced to some great little haunts by friends – everything is so close.  You are literally a stone’s throw away from everything you need, and are within walking distance to some great restaurants, which over the festive season is ideal.

insideR: You’re the MC at this year’s Carols by the Lake. Why is this such a great event for families?

PB: Just make sure you come along!  It’ll be a fantastic family night in an amazing setting, with a spectacular line up of free entertainment that will get you right into the festive spirit.  Personally, I think there’s nothing better than to grab a blanket with your family and friends and enjoy a night of feel-good carols in a great community.  I’m really looking forward to it.

Event details

Carols by the Lake is a free family event at Varsity Promenade in Varsity Lakes held on Saturday, December 8 from 4-8pm.

Bring a blanket along and enjoy carols by candlelight, as well as food trucks, a Christmas hat parade, fireworks, festive stalls and, of course, a visit from Santa himself!

For information on Carols by the Lake, visit the event Facebook page and to receive all the latest notifications, make sure you add it to your Facebook event calendar.

Carols by the Lake goers are in for a festive treat

Carols by the Lake is proudly brought to the community by Councillor Hermann Vorster, in partnership with Hope Church and Robina Lions Club. Cr Vorster said Carols by the Lake was a hallmark event for the Robina and Varsity Lakes community.

“Its unique waterfront location makes it the best carols on the coast,” he said.

“Reviving our local carols was one of the first things I did as the newly elected Councillor and now we boast dozens of free family events throughout the year.”

Cr Vorster said the carols brought the community together for a festive night of free fun. He said this year’s event would include entertainment, delicious food, kids activities, stalls, Santa, fireworks and carols.

“This year we’re in for a special treat with live jet pack water entertainment on Lake Orr and an opportunity for kids to enter the ‘Hat Parade’ by getting crafty at a Christmas stall,” said Cr Vorster.

“Our MC will be Robina resident and Seven News weather presenter, Paul Burt, and we’ll enjoy performances by the Hyped Dance crew, Hope Church, Coastal Charisma, Mattie Barker, the Rainbow Teddies and so much more.

“This event couldn’t happen without our hard-working volunteers from Hope Church and Robina Lions Club so make sure you visit them at the face painting and glow stick stalls

“Bring your picnic blanket, your singing voice and your Christmas cheer – you won’t want to miss this wonderful night out for the family.”

Discover more local Christmas activities

Want to know all the festive things to do in and around Robina this Christmas and New Years Eve?
insideR has you covered… click to read more here.

For all the local Christmas church service times and more, read Councillor Hermann Vorster’s Division 11 Christmas message here.