Elected Member Briefing Note 2024, No. 99
About this Briefing Note
Report by: Michael Boyle, Events Officer
Date: 6th November 2024
Subject: Christmas Lights Switch-On 2024
Responsible Officer: David Littlejohn, Strategic Lead
Details
Purpose
This Briefing Note provides information on Perth Christmas Lights switch on event weekend.
Background
The Perth Christmas Lights switch on will take place on Saturday 23rd November 2024.
The switch on is an established annual event which increases footfall and spend in our city centre. The event includes live music, street entertainment, a Christmas Parade, Santa's Grotto, famous faces and local acts.
Last year, an economic assessment of the event demonstrated an impact of £0.8 million.
Briefing information
Kicking the festive season off on Saturday 23rd November, our established Christmas Lights switch on event promises to be another fun-filled day. This year's headline act is dance music, floor-filling legends, Cascada, who'll be playing alongside Massaoke, Cool Britannia, Beats of Brazil, Unison Anthems, and local bands, The Owls and The Crom.
There's also entertainment from local Perth and Kinross theatre and dance schools as well as a variety of street performances.
At 6.15pm Provost Xander McDade will officially switch on the Christmas lights, accompanied by fireworks and a lighting display.
Santa's Grotto will be at Horsecross Plaza from Friday 22nd November (3pm to 7pm), Saturday 23rd November (Midday to 8pm) and Sunday 24th November (Midday to 6pm). Extended timings have been arranged to support autism friendly sessions.
On Sunday 24 November, the celebration continues with the Nativity and Lantern Parade and a Christmas stage at the Concert Hall Plaza with performances from Last Orders, Ultimate ELO, UK Pitbull and other supporting acts. Stage times are included below.
Main Stage - Tay Street Timings (Please note that all timings and acts may be subject to change)
Compere | Lionel Vinyl |
14.15 | The Owls |
15.30 | The Crom |
16.45 | Kool Britannia |
18.00 | Lionel Vinyl |
18.15 | Perth Christmas Lights Switch On (+ fireworks) |
18.20 | Beats of Brazil & Unison Anthems |
18.40 | Cascada |
19.15 | Massaoke |
Christmas Stage - Mill Street - acts from 12 noon - 17.00 hrs featuring
12.00 | Stage Opens Introduction by Andy Aird |
12.05 - 12.30 | Jollity Express |
12.30 - 13.00 | Perth Drama Club with Jack & the Beanstalk |
13.00 - 13.40 | Clark Stewart does the Christmas Rat Pack |
13.40 - 14.10 | Julie Young Dance Set |
14.10 - 14.40 | Fair City Singers |
14.40 - 15.00 | Pirrie Performing Arts |
15.00 - 15.30 | Inspire Dance Studios |
All inclusive, our festive activities are free of charge, ensuring that everyone is able to join in and enjoy the celebrations.
Perth and Kinross Council Equalities Service have worked with Perth Autism to provide a dedicated support area in the city. The Main stage will also have accessible viewing areas.
In addition to the mobile toilets located in the city centre, Perth Theatre and Perth Museum will provide comfort facilities.
Festive Cabins
Back for 2024, 16 festive cabins will be located on the High Street and King Edward Street, opening every day from 22nd November to 19th December.
The festive market will provide space within high footfall areas for local independent retailers and producers to showcase and sell their goods. Take up of the cabins has been strong and all have been allocated. A small charge has been introduced this year to help cover the costs.
Marketing and Promotion
The Christmas Lights switch on event will be marketed through a variety of channels, digital and traditional to ensure maximum reach and engagement. We will also work with partners to ensure the event is marketed widely.
Perth City and Towns website, and Facebook channels will serve as the primary platforms for promotion.
A Radio Tay campaign will include airtime, presenter talk-ups, and digital promotions.
An invitation has been sent to St Johnstone Football Club to be part of the Christmas Lights switch on celebrations.
An economic impact survey will be conducted over the weekend. The results of this assessment and a wider economic impact assessment will be shared with elected members in due course.
How you can support
Signposting to Perth City and Towns via digital ads and newsletters.
You can share our social media posts with your contacts and on your own social media channels and community groups. Remember to tag us in your photos on social media - @PerthCityAndTowns and use the hashtag #PerthLightsSwitchOn
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