Festival crucial to Perth 2021 bid

The Perthshire Festival of the Arts, which kicks off later this month, could be key to the Fair City’s City of Culture hopes, it has been claimed.

The event is now in its 45th year and will feature top acts including Nicola Benedetti, Nigel Kennedy, Jools Holland and the Tosca English Touring Opera.

Comedian Marcus Brigstocke and Dundee band the View will also be performing as part of the packed line-up.

Mid-Scotland and Fife MSP Murdo Fraser has called on fellow parliamentarians to support the programme, which he believes could be crucial to Perth’s bid for the UK City of Culture 2021 title.

He said: “Perth is among the bookies’ favourite to be named UK City of Culture, and events like the Perthshire Festival of the Arts highlight not only the current cultural offering in the city, but also the potential of what can be achieved in the future.”

Mr Fraser added: “This year the festival boasts a stellar line-up. The Perthshire Festival of the Arts continues to go from strength to strength each year, and the organisers have done a fantastic job in securing such a strong line-up.

“Perth is definitely the place when it comes to culture and the arts, and I hope that judges keep this in mind when it comes to awarding the 2021 title.”

Perth has submitted its 30-page application to officials in London. A shortlist will be announced in June.