Carols in the Islands, the Christmas celebration scheduled this Saturday, 12 December, is set to see the return of the impressive voices of the RAMSI Pacific Choir.

The RAMSI Pacific Choir features singers from thirteen different Pacific island nations, all who are currently serving in Solomon Islands as part of the Regional Assistance Mission.

Now in its third year, the Carols event is the largest Christmas celebration in Solomon Islands, and is attended by thousands of families wishing to enjoy plenty of singing, entertainment and a big night of fun.

Following their popularity in 2008, the RAMSI Pacific Choir, whose 20 members hail from nations including Fiji, Tuvalu, Samoa and Tonga is excited about the opportunity to perform in front of such a large audience at Carols in the Islands.

Lait Mate Buakula from Fiji, who is serving as a member of RAMSI's Participating Police Force, says that the group is excited about joining in the festivities for Saturday night's concert, and they have been putting themselves through a strict rehearsal schedule to prepare for the big event.

"We are really looking forward to singing for such a large crowd on Saturday," says Ms Baukula, who has been serving as part of RAMSI since early November. "Since I arrived in Solomon Islands, I have enjoyed singing to some small crowds as part of the RAMSI Pacific Choir, but this event will be the biggest by far."

The current members of the choir are continuing the tradition of the RAMSI Pacific Choir, which sees new membersjoining the group as they commence their work as RAMSI PPF advisers in Solomon Islands Saturday evening's concert is set to mark the last time that a number of members of the PPF's current Pacific Island contingent will perform prior to returning to their respective home countries.

With final preparations for Saturday night's Carols in the Islands now underway at Lawson Tama Stadium, the Commissioner of Police Peter Marshall is reminding the community that the event is family-friendly and strictly alcohol-free.

"Carols in the Islands is an event focused on giving hundreds of families the opportunity to celebrate the fun and excitement of Christmas," said Commissioner Marshall.

"It is an alcohol-free event and anyone who attempts to bring any form of alcohol into the stadium will be turned away," he said.

Gates will open to the public at 12:00pm, with the pre-show Carols in the Islands Festival¬ - which features games, prizes and stalls - happening throughout Saturday afternoon. The carols event will commence at 5:30pm, with the RAMSI Pacific Choir scheduled to perform at 6.15pm. Entry to the event is free.

Source: Press Release (RAMSI Media)