The Murray Bridge Christmas Pageant will return in 2026, with the Murray Bridge Combined Service Clubs taking over coordination of the event from AOK Events.
The Rural City of Murray Bridge has confirmed the pageant will be held on Saturday the 21st of November, with Council partnering with the service clubs to support its delivery.
The change follows a decision by Council not to continue supporting AOK Events to deliver the pageant after the local events company had run it for the past six years.
AOK Events announced the change on social media overnight, saying it was “extremely disappointed” by the decision.
The family-run company said the pageant was never simply another event for its business and that it had invested significant time working with local businesses, community groups, performers, volunteers and sponsors.
“We are incredibly proud of what we have achieved over the last 6 years alongside many committed volunteers and will reflect fondly on the memories created along the way,” AOK said.
Service Clubs to Lead Pageant
The new model will see the Murray Bridge Combined Service Clubs take responsibility for coordinating the pageant, with the group including Murray Bridge City Lions, Rotary Club of Mobilong, Inner Wheel Club of Mobilong, Rotary Club of Murray Bridge, Lions Club of Murray Bridge and Kiwanis Club of Murray Bridge.
Murray Bridge Combined Service Clubs Event Coordinator Stephen Walker will lead the organising work.
Mr Walker said the event aligned with the service clubs’ community-focused values.
“We know we have a strong and connected community here in the Murraylands, so providing more opportunities to bring them together at free events, is important to us,” he said.
Mayor Thorley said the Council was excited to work with local volunteers to continue the event.
“This year, we are excited to work with the passionate local volunteers from the Murray Bridge Combined Service Clubs, who have a strong track record of delivering charitable events throughout the region,” he said.
Council will provide support to the clubs as planning gets underway, with registrations for floats and other participation expected to open in the coming days.
The pageant will continue along its traditional route, starting on Bridge Street before making its way to Sturt Reserve.
AOK’s Riverfront Festival Will Still Go Ahead
AOK Events’ separate Kookaburra Homes Murray Bridge Riverfront Christmas Festival will still go ahead on the same day of the pageant, Saturday the 21st of November.
AOK said the festival would continue with support from Kookaburra Homes, Thomas Foods International and Spry Holdings, with the evening once again scheduled to conclude with the Spry Holdings Sky Show.
The company said it would continue to support local business, community and events despite no longer delivering the Christmas Pageant.
Council said it would release further details about pageant registrations, sponsorship opportunities and the event in the coming weeks.
