Revellers in Perth are set to enjoy more festive fun this weekend.
Magic shows, music, dancing and the annual Santa Run all take place during the Magical Christmas Weekend (December 3-4).
It is the latest part of Perth Winter Festival and marks the final weekend of activities before Christmas.
Locals have already enjoyed a weekend of St Andrew’s Day celebrations and the Christmas lights switch-on featuring Cascada.
We have full details of what to expect over Saturday and Sunday.
Saturday
Santa Run (noon)
The annual 5km run will see the city centre overrun with Santas bringing some Christmas cheer.
The race will be started by Deputy Provost Andrew Parrott at Horsecross Plaza, before runners meander through the city and over the Tay, finishing at North Inch.
Horsecross Plaza stage (noon-5pm)
A host of magical acts from the Edinburgh Magical Festival will take to the stage with performances from:
- Britain’s Got Talent finalist Kevin Quantum
- Five-times Scottish magic champion Woody the Magician
- TV star Chris De Rosa and his assistant Michelle
- Former Singing Kettle performer Gary the Magic Man
Mill Street (noon-5pm)
Clydebuilt Puppet Theatre and Alakazam Puppets will be set up in the Mill Street gazebo.
Performances will include fairytales such as Forgotten Treasure, Red Riding Hood and The Ungrateful Crocodile.
Lantern and nativity parade (throughout the afternoon)
The annual lantern and nativity parade, led by Perth and District Pipe Band, will start at St Ninian’s Cathedral before weaving through the city centre, ending at St John’s Kirk.
Timings are:
- 1pm: Drop-in lantern workshop at St Ninian’s
- 4.50pm: Carol-singing and switching on of the nativity scene
- 5pm: Parade begins, led by Perth and District Pipe Band
- 5.15pm: Carol singing at St John’s Kirk
Sunday
Horsecross Plaza stage (noon-5pm)
A range of acts including musicians and dancers will perform throughout the day, including:
- Last Orders
- Dario G
- Pirrie Performing Acts
- Robin Goodfellow
- Julie Young Dance School
- JGN Dance Attic
Mill Street (1-4.15pm)
A wrestling ring will be set up by community group Fair City Wrestling.
Time slots of 45 minutes will be set up throughout the afternoon to see the grappling close up.
Other highlights
St Paul’s (noon-4pm Saturday): Magical puppet shows from Gordon’s Magic and Puppets.
Walkabout acts: Watch out for the stilt walkers throughout the city, with Gary the Music Man also doing singalongs on Sunday.
Festive stalls (noon-5pm both days): Vendors will offer a range of Christmas goods.
Funfair rides: Small funfair rides available to enjoy throughout both days.
Silent disco (5-7pm both days): Get your groove on at St Paul’s.
Ghost tours (8pm both days): This event is sold out, but there is a waiting list you can sign up to.
Road closures, transport and toilets
- Mill Street, from M&S to Bridge Lane, will be shut from 7am until around 6pm both days.
- Parts of Scott Street will be closed from noon until 12.15pm during Saturday’s Santa Run.
- North Methven Street, South Methven Street and Old High Street will be closed from 5pm until around 5.15pm to allow for Saturday’s parade.
Perth and Kinross Council says bus services may be delayed due to the events.
Spectators travelling into the city from further afield can use the Stagecoach 7B bus service from Broxden park and ride to South Street.
The local authority says parking will be “readily available” at several city centre locations.
Disabled bays will be available as normal, except those outside Paco’s on Mill Street, but may be busy.
Toilets will be available at:
- Perth Theatre (10am-9.50pm Saturday; noon-3pm and 4-7pm Sunday).
- Horsecross Plaza on Mill Street both days.
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