By Dave Lord

RETIREMENT USUALLY comes at 65, but don’t tell Perth man Bill Wilkie.

Now 83, the irrepressible music maestro has thrown himself into preparations for his 56th annual Fair City accordion and fiddle festival.

He has organised, overseen and performed at each of the previous 55, all of which were staged at the City Hall.

However, the 56th will be quite a landmark as it is to be held at the new £20 million concert hall—the same venue in which Bill recently watched his nephew, Richard Colburn, drumming with top Scots band Belle and Sebastian.

“I did ask Richard if I could join the band as a roadie since he seems to be playing all over the world but they already have a full quota,” he joked.

“I may not have got that job but it did give me a chance to check out the new concert hall.

“It is great and it was very helpful to get a look at it before the festival gets under way.

“We have staged 55 previous events at the City Hall and organising everything for a new venue has been a bit of a challenge,” Bill said.

“The stage is a totally different size and there are no wings so it is more difficult to change acts.

“However, it is a tremendous venue and I am sure it will be a pleasure to perform there.”

The festival, already a sell-out, is set to run next weekend.

Bill was joined by wife Ena as he presented his first accordion and fiddle festival in 1949.

Ena has sadly passed away since but Bill’s enthusiasm for the event remains as fervent as ever.

Indeed the 56th festival is being billed as the greatest variety show ever, with “beautiful girls, music, singing, dancing and comedy.”

“I still love organising the festival and will continue to do so as long as people enjoy coming,” Mr Wilkie said.

“I may be 83 but I am still fit and enjoy good health.

“There is a great cast for the festival this year, including the Caledonian Tenors and the Julie Young dancers.

“Danielle Paully is coming over from France and is a fantastic accordionist so it promises to be a great occasion.”

In the days of here today, gone tomorrow celebrities and TV programmes, Bill’s shows have become famous throughout the UK and further afield.

A number of trophies will also be dispensed during the festival, including the Jimmy Shand Shield for senior Scottish accordion champion and the Powrie cup for the best senior fiddle player.

The festival will kick off in style on Friday night with the traditional ceilidh at the Queens Hotel.

Tickets are available both at Wilkie’s music store on Canal Street or on the door.

Competitions will be held throughout Saturday at the Concert Hall and Salutation Hotel with the spectacular finale coming courtesy of the Saturday evening concert, which is scheduled to start at 6.45 pm.