BIGGEST WEEKEND
Big names on bill for two-day extravaganza
Perth is bracing itself for “unprecedented” numbers of music fans as thousands prepare to descend on the city for the BBC Biggest Weekend. The event will take place today and tomorrow at Scone Palace, with warm sunshine forecast. Tonight will see classic stars such as Nigel Kennedy take to the stage alongside the likes of Eddi Reader and Jamie Cullum. On Saturday 20,000 fans will head to Scone for a sell-out show featuring Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds and Emeli Sande.
Saturday performances will also be broadcast live on BBC Radio Two by hosts Ken Bruce and Sara Cox.
On Friday gates will open at 12.30pm and the first act is expected on stage at 2pm. Likewise, tomorrow the gates will open at noon and the music will begin at around 1pm. Both nights will finish at 10pm.
The PA reported on Tuesday that residents living nearby had raised a number of concerns about road closures in the city centre, Bridgend and Scone.
In the city centre, Tay Street, George Street and part of Bridge Lane and the High Street will be closed. Isla Road, Stormontfield, the Old Scone Road and Keir Street will also be shut off.
A spokesperson for Perth and Kinross Council however, says the local authority is not expecting to use these planned road closures today (Friday, May 25).
The spokesperson said: “Looking at the latest estimates, we expect numbers on Friday to be similar to those for previous events at Scone, and so we do not expect to have to implement the closures of Tay Street, George Street, Bridge Lane or Perth Bridge, although there will be parking and loading restrictions. Restrictions for local traffic will also be lifted on the A93 Isla Road to allow commuter vehicles to travel this road on the Friday.
“There is no change to access for festival goers - if you’re bringing your car to park follow the signposted event route, and don’t rely on your sat nav.
“Remember there is no pick-up/ drop-off facility on or near the site, police officers will be out enforcing this on the nearby roads to reduce the impact on other road users. Drop offs and pick ups should be arranged for the South Inch, with festival goers then taking the shuttle bus from Tay Street or walking the rest of the way.
“On Saturday there will be unprecedented numbers travelling within a relatively short space of time, so we do expect to have to close the above roads to cars, with the exception of Perth Bridge, which is included in the traffic restriction order as a contingency only.
Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds
“Our thanks go to everyone who has booked their travel in advance - this has helped us to predict traffic movement.”
Shuttle buses will run every three minutes at peak times from Tay Street to take people out to Scone Palace. Once on site, there will be a 20-minute walk to the main arena.
Tickets for the shuttle buses cost £5 return, and must be bought in advance either from Perth Bus Station or from a kiosk which has been set up in the city centre.
Some roads in the city centre, Bridgend and Scone will be closed off to make sure the weekend runs smoothly.
Chief Inspector Ian Scott, police area commander for Perth and Kinross, has also urged residents to be patient with the planned road closures. He said: “This will be a fantastic weekend of music and entertainment, however I am aware that for many it may cause disruptions. I would ask you to remain patient and be assured that the police along with Perth and Kinross Council, and event organisers, are aware of the pressures this event puts on local residents.”