YOU SAY... Mixed views on festival charges
The PA asks what the public thinks of cost option
Opinions were mixed in the streets of Perth this week on a potential charge being brought in for Winter Festival events.
The Perthshire Advertiser revealed on Friday that Perth and Kinross Council was considering introducing a charge at the events.
Thousands enjoyed last year’s Winter Festival, which featured the Christmas lights switch-on, St Andrew’s Day celebrations, a Santa Run, Hallowe’en fun night, closing with the Norie-Miller light nights in January and February.
The PA took to the streets of the city centre to find out what residents thought.
Ann McGregor (82) said she would have been willing to pay a charge to see the Norie-Miller lights. She said: “I think they should charge because we as rate payers already pay enough without our council tax money being spent on the lights.
“I think the council should introduce a charge. I would have been quite willing to pay £5 or something to have a wander and go and see the lights at Norie-Miller.”
However, Fraser Peebles (55) said residents already pay enough in council tax without having to pay for the Winter Festival on top. He said: “It is outdoors, so they shouldn’t be charging for the Winter Festival.
“I know I pay to play golf outdoors, but for things in the town centre like the Christmas lights switch-on, I know it is Jennifer Kemp
said families are already struggling enough at Christmas time without having to pay more money. He said: “It seems a stupid idea, people are struggling for money as it is.
“I am from Kinross and for a weekly pass on the bus it is £27.70, so if you come up to Perth for the Winter Festival you’re already paying a lot. Peebles The Christmas lights switch-on is popular Fraser
“I think it is a dumb idea. If they want more people to come they should be thinking about families, so many are still recovering from Christmas.
“It’s ridiculous, it’s the first time I have heard of a town festival looking to charge. The council already make enough money from the stallholders at the events.” Ann McGregor