For the rest of the month Perth has a strong claim to being the cultural capital of Scotland as the city hosts its annual festival of the arts.
From English Touring Opera to Jools Holland the festival again has a strong musical offering as does the visual arts with various exhibitions adding to the mix.
“From small beginnings, Perth Festival has grown over the year’s to become one of the highlights of Scotland’s cultural calendar,” said PFA chairman Peter Rutterford.
“We have produced a programme with a wide variety of artists and shows to appeal to all ages and tastes, from classical to pop music, opera to “the Broadway Sound”, comedy to children’s performances.”
On the popular front a late edition to the festival which has just been announced is Kirkcaldy fireman Stevie McCrorie, the 2015 Winner of television’s The Voice, who will support KT Tunstall on Friday May 27.
As the first events got the 11-day festival got under way – Don Giovanni at Perth Concert Hall and a lunchtime performance by St John’s Academy in St John’s Kirk, festival administrator Sandra Ralston prepared for the culmination of her year-long efforts.
“The 45th festival has arrived and we are all ready to have a wonderful time,” she said.
“Ticket sales have been very buoyant but we can of course always sell more.”
A popular free event, running until May 22, is the ArTay exhibition marquee which has sprung up beside the concert hall and features hundreds of works by established and up-and-coming artists.
“We usually have more than 3,000 people over the four days, it’s huge,” said ArTay organiser Hugh Goring.
Economic studies have revealed that past festivals have enjoyed 11,000 plus attendances, providing a significant early summer boost to local businesses.
While the majority of those supporting the festival are from Perth and Kinross, more than 30% come from elsewhere in Scotland with a small but significant contingent attracted from down south or even overseas.
What’s On at a Glance
Friday May 20 – Kilgraston School concert (St John’s Kirk 12.30pm); Alex Horne and The Horne Section (7.30pm concert hall).
Saturday May 21 – Roald Dahl Centenary Family Concert (11am concert hall); Manran, Sinderins and Claire Hastings (7.30pm concert hall).
Sunday May 22 – Festival service, Perth Youth Orchestra (11am St John’s Kirk); The John Wilson Orchestra (7.30pm concert hall)
Monday May 23 – Perth High School concert (12.30pm St John’s Kirk); Pascal and Ami Roge, Satie and Les Six (7.30pm concert hall).
Tuesday May 24 – Perth and Kinross School concert (12.30pm St John’s Kirk); The Sixteen (7.30pm St John’s Kirk); The Unthanks (8pm concert hall).
Wednesday May 25 – Glenalmond College concert (12.30pm St John’s Kirk); Aquarelle Guitar Quartet (7.30pm concert hall).
Thursday May 26 – Perth Academy concert (12.30pm St John’s Kirk); Nina Conti (8pm concert hall).
Friday May 27 – Strathallan concert (12.30pm St John’s Kirk); KT Tunstall, support Stevie McCrorie (8pm concert hall).
Saturday May 28 – The Allan Young Trio (11am St John’s Kirk); Pop-up Opera Roadshow (12noon, 2pm and 3pm concert hall); Jools Holland (7.30pm concert hall).
Sunday May 29 – Pop-up opera (12noon, 2pm and 3pm concert hall); The Halle (7.30pm concert hall).
