All light on the night
There was an early Christmas miracle in Craigie and Moncrieffe as a big community push saw lights, food, music and dancing spring up in the centre of the Perth neighbourhood.
On December 1, Craigie Community Choir, Craigie Schools Choir, Jackie Nicoll and about 40 kids from JGN Dance Attic, plus DIY Rockshop all gave their best to kick start festive spirit.
And around 500 people packed Craigie Cross to see Perth Autism Support Choir perform their new Christmas single.
The big moment of switching on the lights went to children picked out from the three local schools.
Each had been nominated for doing something outstanding.
The happy gathering was the result of months of planning.
Several fundraisers were held and there was even a ‘dry run’ in October as nothing like this had been done before in the area.
Young singers from the Craigie Schools Choir at the Christmas lights switch-on in Craigie Cross “The idea came about with Chic day one.” Behind the scenes Phil Lidstone Doogan, Mike Clark and I, chatting “The whole night was just lovely,” from the Gateway Community over coffee about putting lights on commented Cllr Wilson, chair of the Church expertly put together the the big birch tree,” explained Pete Craigie Community Group. logistics, stage and sound system. Chan, Craigie take-away owner. “We were blessed with good On the night Bookers Cash and
“From there, it just grew into a weather and a large crowd of happy Carry donated 250 hot dogs and monster. We got community support supportive folk who were clearly Murrays Bakers gave cakes and Fair and support from local businesses enjoying themselves. City cafe Willows and restaurant and money in from the Common “The dancers, singers and donated hot drinks. Good Fund. musicians were truly wonderful and Volunteer stewards came from
“Local councillors Bob Band and I felt the whole event was a way above MKM and the Gateway Community Willie Wilson were on board from my hopes and dreams.” Church.