Perth’s stage is set for a star-studded switch-on
There will be music, entertainment and Basil Brush kicking off Perth’s festive season build-up.
Glam rockers Slade, rapper Professor Green and X-Factor runner-up Fleur East are set to dazzle the Fair City Christmas lights switch-on in two weeks’ time.
And the list of family and street-based entertainments doesn’t stop there. There will be live music sets from Lorraine Crosby, boy band The Half Eight, and designer and Perth city guru Wayne Hemingway will be hitting the decks for some Northern Soul classics.
Provost Liz Grant said: “This year’s City of Perth Winter Festival promises to be the biggest the Fair City has ever seen, with entertainment, shopping, music and fun for all the family spread across the city centre.
“Christmas in Scotland really does start here.”
The Christmas lights event is on Saturday, November 19, part of a weekend-long extravaganza which aims to put Perth on the map.
Live entertainment will be held in the city centre, but the main focus for older age groups will be the main stage at Tay Street where X-Factor’s Charlie Healy, part of finalists The Risk, will compere the evening from 4pm.
A stunning fireworks display will be held after the lights are switched on at 6.15pm.
Younger generations will be entertained at the children’s stage at Horsecross Plaza where cheeky chappie Basil Brush will fire some quick- witted quips. Joining Basil on this stage will be Little Mix tribute act Mini Mixx, bringing the chemistry of the first-ever group winners of the X Factor to the Perth stage, and for Beliebers, The Justin Bieber show tribute act will replicate the star’s choreography to the Fair City.
Events here run from noon to 5pm.
Elsewhere, there is live music, street entertainers, reindeers, huskies, ice skating, a silent disco in an igloo, and of course the annual Christmas parade led by Father Christmas and the provost of Perth and Kinross, starting from Thimblerow at 5.30pm.
A community stage showcasing the creative talents of Perth and Kinross will entertain from noon to 5pm in King Edward Street.
Venues across the city centre will also be alive with music, dance and drama and there will be exhibitions and the chance for revellers to try their hand at some cultural activities.
And not to be missed out is the return of the two-day annual Outdoor Festival of Chocolate, with lots of tasty treats on offer at stalls in Perth High Street.
Turn over for your bumper guide to all you need to get ready for Christmas, from tips on presents to getting glammed up for party nights and having a great festive time in Perth.
That includes our four-page guide to the City of Culture Community Day which is packed with events for the whole family.