THE line-up of the iconic Carols in the Park has had substantial changes as Southern Downs Regional Council steps up to organise this year's event.

Formerly organised by Warwick Tourism and Events, the event will this year feature more traditional choir music over contemporary carols.

The budget for the 2015 Warwick Carols in the Park is $7464, down from $8045 last year.

Southern Downs Mayor Peter Blundell said the decision for council to stage this year's event came after the tourism body was replaced by Destination Southern Downs in July.

"As part of the Southern Downs Tourism Transition Reference Group, a resolution was passed at the council general meeting on February 25 that council would allocate the necessary resources and procedures to manage civic events internally by 30 June 2015," Cr Blundell said.

"Council is focusing strongly on a controlled budget and as such the budget for this year's event is similar to previous years.

"Council's staging equipment has been sold, and alternative staging has been hired for this year's event, the cost of which will be met from the 2015/16 event budget."

The 2015 organising committee includes the mayor, one councillor, three staff from the community services department and three community members.

Cr Blundell said the committee had tried to include performers from past events in this year's carols.

"Performers from previous carols were issued personal invitations to participate in this year's event, and council would have been delighted to have these performers involved again this year, but they have for their own reasons declined," he said.

"This year's program will encompass traditional Christmas carols, more up-beat Christmas songs performed by local artists, a special guest and a visit by Santa and his helpers."