The Windows are open to partying all day long!

Apr 24 2009 by Alison Lowson, Perthshire Advertiser Friday

AS the full line-up of PKAVS Party in the Park performers is announced this week, organisers are billing the charity event as Perth’s hottest attraction for 2009.

Featuring everything from polo to the Red Hot Chilli Pipers, the one-day event on Perth’s South Inch on May 16 promises an eclectic show to entertain audiences of all ages.

The Music and Dance Festival (sponsored by Binn Skips) is one of the Party’s main attractions, featuring back-to-back performances throughout the day.

Dancers of every age and stage have signed up to be part of the mammoth event. Up-and-coming stars from the Julie Young School of Dancing and Centre for Performing Arts will open the dance festival, followed by talented youngsters from JGN Dance Attic who will showcase their energetic contemporary dance moves.

The Brig Belly Dancers guarantee to bring a touch of the exotic to the day. The Bridge of Earn girls jumped at the opportunity to turn heads at PKAVS Party with their shimmees and hip-drops.

The afternoon session will see a top line-up of nationally and internationally-renowned musicians. Perthshire band specialising in “blues and beyond” music, Wang Dang Delta, will front the line-up, followed by Dave Amos & Friends and The Windows, a local band which is well-known for its charity rock gigs.

Headline act, the Red Hot Chilli Pipers, will take centre stage later in the day, rocking the Inch with their unique ‘bag rock’ sound. The booking has attracted Chilli fans from as far a field as the United States.

For those who prefer more traditional tones, PKAVS Beer Tent will feature live performances by Perthshire ceilidh band The Gallivanters, folk and country group Earthwood, and the Small Pipers, a traditional Scottish acoustic outfit.

The Party will raise funds for the long-standing local charity Perth & Kinross Association of Voluntary Service (PKAVS), an organisation that has been at the heart of local charity activity for over 30 years supporting causes such as carers and adults with mental ill health.

PKAVS event organiser and local musician Helen MacKinnon said: “A party is just not a party without music and dance! We set out to include a real diverse mix of performances and couldn’t believe the response we received from both amateur and professional performers. We hope we’ve found a little something for everyone, whatever your artistic tastes.”

Tickets for the one-day event are available in advance from Horsecross on 01738 621031. Prices are £10 (adults), £5 (senior citizens and 12-16 years). Under 12s are free however children must be accompanied by an adult.

The event will also include a Trade Fair, Food Festival, Arts and Crafts Show and workshops and attractions for all ages. See www.pkavs.org.uk