Man arrested for knife possession at Christmas carols event in Launceston

A 48-year-old Tasmanian man has been charged after allegedly producing a large knife at a Christmas carols event in Launceston, in the state's north.

Tasmania Police said the man was sitting in the crowd near the stage at the Carols in The Park event at City Park about 5:45pm last night when he "produced a black-handled knife approximately 30 centimetres in length".

Police said members of the public who noticed the weapon quickly moved away from the area.

The Kings Meadows man was "taken into custody without further incident" and was charged with being unlawfully armed in public.

Police said he was alone and did not make any direct threats to any member of the community.

No one was injured in the incident.

Daniel Woodward was remanded in custody and will next front court on January 12.

He was charged with being unlawfully armed in public and unlawful possession of a dangerous article.

Praise for police at scene

Launceston Mayor Matthew Garwood complimented the attending police officers for their conduct.

"They were able to conduct themselves in a way that didn't deter from the event."