# Emma Memma and Rachael Beck headline St John Carols by Candlelight 2026 **Featured** — On Your Markus **Event:** St John Carols by Candlelight **Tickets:** http://www.stjohncarols.com.au/ **Published:** 5 November 2026 **Author:** Markus Hamence **Source:** https://onyourmarkus.au/emma-memma-and-rachael-beck/ Emma Memma and Rachael Beck headline St John Carols by Candlelight 2026 on Saturday 12 December at Elder Park/Tarntanya Wama, with Emma Memma performing for younger audiences and Beck bringing musical theatre credentials to the evening concert. The 82nd edition opens at 3:00pm with activities and markets, the Experience Adelaide Community Concert at 5:00pm, and the main Carols concert at 8:30pm, followed by fireworks at 10:30pm, with broadcast on 7Two on Sunday 13 December at 7:00pm. --- **AUSTRALIAN ENTERTAINMENT ICONS EMMA MEMMA AND RACHAEL BECK UNITE FOR ST JOHN CAROLS BY CANDLELIGHT 2026** From little ones discovering the magic of Christmas to generations of musical theatre fans, Australian entertainment icons, Emma Memma and Rachael Beck, will bring something for everyone to the stage at this year’s St John Carols by Candlelight. Children’s favourite Emma Memma will have Adelaide’s youngest Carols fans singing and dancing along at Elder Park/Tarntanya Wama. Emma Memma has twice taken home the ARIA Award for Best Children’s Album, winning in 2023 for her self-titled debut album, Emma Memma, and again in 2025 for Dance Island Party. Her live shows combine music, movement and Australian Sign Language to create an inclusive experience where every child can join in the fun. ![Woman with voluminous red curly hair in orange costume holding a wooden spoon and basket against green background.](https://media.onyourmarkus.au/admin/2026/11/0fc87006-e5e5-4c10-ab51-f1aebd5aeabf.jpg) Joining Emma Memma on the Carols stage will be acclaimed musical theatre performer Rachael Beck, whose career has spanned some of Australia’s biggest productions and television shows. Rachael is widely recognised for playing Belle opposite Hugh Jackman in the Australian production of Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, as well as taking on roles including Fantine in Les Misérables and Rumpleteaser in Cats. Television audiences will also know her as Samantha Kelly in the hit sitcom Hey Dad! ![Woman with shoulder-length blonde hair wearing a white sleeveless top against a neutral grey background.](https://media.onyourmarkus.au/admin/2026/11/ce69bee0-6ecd-4b0a-9f7a-1c4e406f495d.jpg) Rachael also has a special connection to Adelaide, having performed as Maria in The Sound of Music during the production’s Adelaide season, making her return to the city for St John Carols by Candlelight a fitting homecoming. With Emma Memma bringing the magic to the little ones and Rachael bringing her musical theatre credentials to the stage, the pair will help make this year’s Carols a celebration for the whole family. Emma Memma said: “Carols is all about families coming together, and I can’t wait to sing, dance and sign with all the little ones at Elder Park.” With more artists still to be announced, 7NEWS Adelaide personalities Rosanna Mangiarelli and Will Goodings will once again host St John Carols by Candlelight, with a national television broadcast showcasing South Australia to the rest of the country. Family and friends are encouraged to dress in their best Christmas outfits and head down to Elder Park/Tarntanya Wama early to enjoy a day of free entertainment. Gates open at 3:00pm with activities, competitions and giveaways, a Christmas market, the KIIS 1023 Street Crew, food trucks and a visit from Santa. The Experience Adelaide Community Concert featuring local artists begins at 5:00pm, followed by the main Carols concert at 8:30pm and a fireworks finale at 10:30 pm. Further artists, program highlights and broadcast details will be revealed in the coming weeks. Join us for the 82nd St John Carols by Candlelight on Saturday 12 December at Elder Park/Tarntanya Wama. A Christmas tradition for all ages. Broadcast Time: Sunday 13 December 2026 on 7Two at 7.00pm Available on 7Plus for 30 days Replayed on 7 on Christmas Day **More Information:** **[www.stjohncarols.com.au](http://www.stjohncarols.com.au)** Follow Adelaide Carols on Facebook and Instagram for updates.