Festival funding on council agenda

Jan 27 2009 by Gordon Bannerman, Perthshire Advertiser Tuesday

COUNCILLORS are being asked to give the green light to £23,500 funding for this year’s Perth Festival of the Arts.

Tomorrow, members of the local authority’s Enterprise and Infrastructure committee will be assured the Festival has a varied programme designed to appeal to a broad audience.

As flagged-up in the PA earlier this month, the line-up includes:

The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra with Nicola Benedetti (far right); Prague Symphony Orchestra; Scottish National Jazz Orchestra; Tannahill Weavers; Piccadilly Dance Orchestra; ‘Morse and Me’ with Colin Dexter; Fascinating Aida

Last year, the PFA achieved record ticket sales and boosted the local economy to the tune of £290,000.

Enterprise and Infrastructure convener, Councillor John Kellas, wants councillors singing from the same hymn sheet.

He said: “Perth Festival of the Arts has been one of Scotland’s leading arts events for the past 37 years.

“During that time it has attracted many thousands of visitors to the area as well as a host of top international acts. It raises the profile of the area and builds its reputation as a cultural centre.

“Iincreasing ticket sales show that the Festival is going from strength to strength. It is only right that the event receives the support of the council.”