By Paul Reoch

PERTH IS all set for a boom weekend with the Scottish Game Fair and a concert by pop superstar Elton John set to boost the coffers of the economy.

More than 16,000 people are expected to descend on Perth tomorrow for a concert by one of pop music’s most flamboyant characters.

And around 20,000 visitors will travel to Scone Palace to watch the Game Fair today and tomorrow.

Due to the two events, accommodation in Perth is limited and it will be a similar situation next weekend when T in the Park takes place at Balado, Kinross-shire.

The roof of the stage was yesterday assembled at McDiarmid Park as preparations continue for the Elton John show tomorrow for what will be Perth’s biggest concert to date.

McDiarmid Park has played host to the Jehovah’s Witnesses conference several times, when 10,000 people have attended but this will be the stadium’s largest audience yet.

The concert will provide a huge financial boost to the economy and Stewart Duff, managing director of St Johnstone FC, yesterday said he is delighted it is taking place at the home of the football club.

“We will have an attendance of at least 16,000 at the concert,” he told The Courier.

“As the weeks have progressed we have seen things taking shape and it’s great that someone of the stature of Elton John has chosen to come and play at McDiarmid Park. It will bring huge financial benefits to businesses in Perth and Kinross.”

He continued, “The gates will open at 4pm and there will be food and drink outlets at the stadium. We are advising people to come along early and make a great day out of it.

“We are all looking forward to the concert here at St Johnstone FC.”

And that view was backed by VisitScotland, who said that anyone looking for accommodation this weekend will find it difficult.

A spokesman said yesterday, “With the Elton John concert and the Scottish Game Fair, anyone looking for a bed in Perth over the next couple of evenings will be struggling. The two events have contributed significantly to accommodation being taken up.

“But this is very positive for tourism in Perth and Kinross and stands us in good stead for next weekend when we have T in the Park. It’s really, really encouraging for us.”

Sir Elton (61) has been a mainstay in the music scene from the 1960s, but is perhaps best remembered for his glamorous, and at times, outrageous outfits he wore on stage during the 1970s.

Tickets are still available for the Elton John concert and can be bought at a box office beside at McDiarmid Park from noon on Sunday.