LAKE Macquarie has become the second Hunter council in as many days to decide against running a fireworks display at its carols by candlelight event.
Speers Point Park will host one of the region's largest Christmas sing-alongs on Sunday night with Lake Mac Carols.
Lake Macquarie mayor Kay Fraser on Thursday announced the event's fireworks would not proceed as part of a line-up including The Voice finalists Lara D and Sara De Bono, Golden Guitar-winner Troy Kemp, the Pacific Harmony Choir and children's entertainers Little Scallywagz.
The council will weigh up Cr Fraser's suggestion that the $4500 budget instead go to drought-struck parts of the upper Hunter through Our Shout This Christmas and We LIVE Here.
"Fireworks unfortunately won't light up the sky at this year's Lake Mac Carols, but the money we donate will hopefully light up some lives during this difficult time for people in other parts of our region," Cr Fraser said.
"While I know a lot of families look forward to the fireworks display, I'm confident the community will understand this decision.
"It would be a wonderful and meaningful way for the council to provide support to Upper Hunter communities affected by drought, particularly in the lead-up to Christmas."
On Wednesday Cessnock mayor Bob Pynsent announced that Friday night's carols event would lose its fireworks display.
It follows emergency fires at Pelaw Main that continue to challenge firefighters amid tough, dry conditions.
Cr Pynsent has similarly proposed the council reallocate the fireworks funds as a donation to the NSW Rural Fire Service.
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