Perth is expected to enjoy a spin-off from the Commonwealth Games with people descending on the city centre next month to celebrate the arrival of the Queen’s Baton Relay.
A day of entertainment has been arranged, including a free evening concert on the North Inch featuring Pop Idol star Gareth Gates. The council has budgeted £110,00 for the celebrations.
On July 4 the baton will be carried through the historic grounds of Scone Palace before making its way by boat along the River Tay to Perth.
The Queen’s Baton arrived back in the UK on May 11 after its tour of the Commonwealth and will be carried across the country by 4,000 baton bearers to the games in Glasgow.
Street entertainment in Perth will be provided by the Commonwealth Youth Circus, the Rhythm Wave Samba Band and the Mariano Band. Commonwealth entertainers and Perth Pipe Band will also take part in the proceedings.
Those who attend the event in Perth can try out Commonwealth Games sports from 3-5pm, including athletics, cycling, football, netball and weightlifting, with a mini duathlon taking place on the North Inch.
The baton will then arrive on the North Inch at 6.45pm for a welcoming ceremony, followed by the free concert. Gareth Gates, Stooshe, Queen tribute band Killer Queen and Tayside band Anderson, McGinty, Ward, Webster and Fisher will perform.
Gates was runner-up in the first series of Pop Idol and went on to star in West End productions Joseph and His Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat and Les Miserables.
Perth and Kinross provost Liz Grant said: “We’ve laid on street entertainment and family fun throughout the afternoon, culminating in a concert which offers something for everyone’s musical taste.
“In keeping with the Commonwealth theme, there will also be the chance to get active, try new sports and fun activities and see some of our local sportspeople in action.
“I encourage everyone to come along and join in what promises to be a fantastic day out.”
Louise Martin, chairman of sportscotland, said: “The events organised in Perth will provide fun for all the family and also give people the chance to take part in a range of sport and physical activities.”