Australian Idol star Dean Geyer is expected to draw crowds of up to 8000 - double last year's turnout - when he performs at St Paul's, Castle Hill's Carols by Candlelight on December 16.

"It's clear that Dean's appearance at Carols will draw a significant number of people and we're doing that so we have more people to talk to about Jesus," says rector the Rev John Gray.

St Paul's has also sent out sponsorship packs to over 70 potential sponsors in the Hills area, including small businesses and large companies.

Already, sponsors have pledged at least $33,000 to the event.

"Carols is a community event " and involving sponsors is a way of saying "this is a worthwhile event that your company can be a part of'," says Evangelism Director, the Rev Ian Barnett.

The event will be held on the sporting fields of neighbouring Oakhill College, featuring rides, facepainting, food stalls and a fireworks display.

A large choir will accompany the carol singing and nine-year-old Melisa Bester will also perform.

The event will be advertised through local papers and radio, letterbox drops and electronic road signs.

St Paul's - one of the Diocese's largest parishes - is expecting 400 volunteers from the parish to serve on the day.

"Carols and Christmas is something we need to own and we shouldn't be ashamed of that," says Mr Barnett.