Christmas do gave Perth £2.3m boost
Around 90,000 people attended lights switch on
Perth’s Christmas lights switch on event was worth over £2 million to the local economy, according to the council.
Figures released this week show the economic impact of the event in 2019 was estimated to be £2.3m.
A report set to go in front of councillors next week will say around 90,000 attended the Christmas celebration on November 16.
However, the council also recorded a loss of £177,442 running the event. Acccording to the report, it cost £219,892 to put on the event, with a direct income of just £42,450.
Councillors on the environment and infrastructure committee will also be told the two councilrun events during the nineday Riverside Night Lights generated an economic boost of £330,000 for the local area.
Both events are part of the City of Perth Winter Festival, which ran from Hallowe’en through to the Chinese New Year celebrations in February.
The entire programme of events cost £382,228, with a direct income of £57,000.
The Christmas light switch on saw Perth cancer fighter Lily Douglas turn on the lights.
Popular acts such as Stephen Mulhern, Atomic Kitten, Nina Nesbitt, Dario G, Alice Deejay and NTrance were joined by talented local groups like Inspire Dance Studios, Fair City Baton Twirlers, Ad-Lib Theatre Arts,
RG Dance, CC Dance, Letham Majorette and Perth Amateur Operatics Society.
The council ran the two Burns-themed events for the Riverside Light Nights. Other events that week included ‘Jurrasic Perth’ and a Harry Potter bash.
The report due to go in front of councillors notes that the way the festival is delivered is continuing to evolve, with an enhanced role for the private sector being considered, whilst still offering opportunities for community groups, performers, and enterprises to participate.
The council says an example of this in practice was the Hallowe’en event, which was led by private sector operators, while external event companies organised and delivered four of the nine themed Riverside Light Nights.
It also details that the council is continuing to seek external sponsorship for largescale events in the future, like those within the Winter Festival programme.
Environment and infrastructure convener Councillor Angus Forbes said: “I am delighted to see the continued success of the Winter Festival and the economic benefits it brings to the area. It has been great to see so many locals and visitors alike come into Perth to experience our wide range of events, where there has been something for people of all ages to enjoy.”