Perth hailed as new ‘Christmas capital’

More than 100,000 in Fair City to enjoy fabulous night of fun

Perth has been declared “the Christmas capital of Scotland” after more than 100,000 people packed the streets for Scotland’s biggest festive party.

“Glasgow may be miles better and Edinburgh the Hogmanay capital but Perth is now the Christmas capital of Scotland,” Provost Dennis Melloy told the cheering crowds.

Local SNP MSP Pete Wishart agreed, saying: “No one does these events like this city.”

Visitors from as far afield as France, Finland, Germany and Switzerland had come to Perth especially for the Christmas lights switch-on as the event’s reputation grows.

Singer and Britain’s Got Talent judge Alesha Dixon proved a big hit with the crowds.

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 switch-on celebrations, with 70s favourites Mud, Boyzlife, The Hunna and East 17 providing the musical soundtrack to the day. Topping the bill was singer Alesha Dixon, best known for Strictly Come Dancing and her role as 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 firework 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 in King Edward Street proved popular, providing a highprofile platform for local performers, including the Letham Majorettes and the Julie Young Dancers.

Council chief executive Bernadette Malone said the day had been a resounding success.

“It has been a fantastic day, outstanding and great to see so many people here from all over,” she said.

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 on Horsecross Plaza and outside the city hall.

A “cakefest”, featuring an edible map of Perth and Kinross landmarks, was assembled outside the concert hall before the crowds had a chance to sample the bakers’ hard work when 10,000 free slices were distributed.

rburdge@thecourier.co.uk

It has been a fantastic day, outstanding and great to see so many people here from all over

Picture: Kim Cessford. Alesha Dixon performs one of her hits to the huge Perth crowd during Saturday’s event.