Perth Christmas concert to raise funds for armed forces charity

St John’s Kirk of Perth will be getting into the Christmas spirit by holding a concert on Wednesday December 6 to raise money for SSAFA, the armed forces charity.

The concert is being held with permission of the minister, ex-army padre the Rev John Murdoch, and the Kirk Session.

The evening will feature music, readings and poems from the First World War, as well as carols and Christmas readings.

One of the readings will be given by Perth and Kinross Provost Dennis Melloy, the patron of the local SSAFA branch.

Performers will include the St John’s Kirk choir and organist, the Military Wives Choir from Leuchars, an ensemble of the Highland Band of the Royal Regiment of Scotland and Olivier awardwinning actress Lesley Mackie.

Among those in attendance will be Brigadier Mel Jameson, the lord lieutenant of Perth and Kinross, 51st Highland, 7th Battalion the Royal Regiment of Scotland (7 Scots), the Black Watch Association and SSAFA volunteers.

The money raised will support the work of the Perth and Kinross branch of SSAFA, providing emotional, practical and financial help to the armed forces and their families.

Concert organiser and SSAFA volunteer Andy Middlemiss said: “We’re delighted to be holding a concert this Christmas to raise money for our forces and their families.”

The event begins at 6.30pm and tickets are available online at eventbrite.com, from Concorde Music Shop on Scott Street, Perth, or on the door.