The Courier & Advertiser (Fife Edition)
Fair City declares itself ‘Scotland’s Christmas capital’
Perth was crowned “Scotland’s Christmas capital” at the weekend as it hosted the country’s biggest lights switch-on celebrations.
More than 100,000 revellers flocked to Saturday’s festivities – the largest gathering in the history of the city.
The fun started early with a chocolate and gin festival on the High Street, with fairground rides, ice sculptures, food stalls and street performers on all the surrounding streets.
Among the weird and wonderful attractions this year were camels, stilt walkers and even a life-size snow globe adding to the carnival atmosphere.
As always, the musical element was a major feature to the switchon celebrations, with Boyzlife, The Hunna, East 17 and ’70s favourites Mud providing the soundtrack to the day. Topping the bill was singer Alesha Dixon, best known for Strictly Come Dancing and her role as a judge on Britain’s Got Talent.
Provost Dennis Melloy made his way to the Tay Street stage in a vintage car, part of a huge procession of pipers and performers, before welcoming an international contingent – visitors from France, Finland, Germany and Switzerland were among the crowds.
“Glasgow may be miles better and Edinburgh the Hogmanay capital but Perth is now the Christmas capital of Scotland,” the provost told the audience gathered alongside the Tay.
The switch-on was followed by a spectacular fireworks display, with the top acts performing before the evening came to a close.
Large screens throughout the city meant people could see who was performing, wherever they were.
The community stage on King Edward Street provided a highprofile platform for local performers, including the Letham Majorettes and the Julie Young Dancers.
The festive celebrations continued yesterday in a slightly more subdued fashion with the second day of the chocolate and gin festival plus musical offerings from stages at Horsecross Plaza and outside the city hall.