Christmas events in Dunkeld and Birnam

Nov 27 2009 Perthshire Advertiser Friday

THE traditional start to the local Christmas festivities will take place on Saturday, December 12, in Dunkeld and Birnam with what promises to be a “Santastic” day of activities for all the family.

The Santa Day, celebrating its 20th year, is being organised by the Dunkeld and Birnam Events Group with the support of many of the community organisations especially those for children and young people.

The day’s events start with a puppet show at the Birnam Institute followed by the colourful Santa’s Parade with reindeer pulling Santa’s sleigh; leaving from the Birnam Hotel and making its way to The Cross in Dunkeld. The parade will be accompanied by children and young people from local the local school and many other organisations.

Santa will be in his grotto with his helpers throughout the afternoon and it is anticipated that nearly two hundred children will visit him and his reindeer.

Throughout the day there will be a community fund-raising market with a wide variety of stalls including arts and crafts, home-baking, hot chestnuts and Christmas Fayre. Refreshments will be available in the Duchess Anne; a selection of hot food will be available in The Cross.

Many local shops, restaurants and pubs will be offering a few treats for their customers and everyone can take part in choosing the “Best Dressed Window” competition. A full programme of music and carol singing will be conducted in The Cross and there will be a carol service in the Cathedral at 3.30pm.

Tickets for the puppet show are available from Sweet Words, Dunkeld News and Birnam Spar priced £4 which includes a free prize draw ticket to win a ride in Santa’s Sleigh during the parade. All other activities including entry to Santa’s Grotto are free of charge.

Dennys Campbell, from the organising group, said: “We hope that this will be the best Santa Day ever, there is a bit of a buzz in town and we are looking forward to welcoming locals and visitors alike to what has become a very popular “family day” in a beautiful Highland Perthshire setting.

“The increased involvement and support of local groups and businesses has been fantastic, their involvement has added greatly to the “feel-good factor” and the true spirit of Christmas. This year’s celebrations will be a very special day for Birnam and Dunkeld.”

The programme for the day includes:

11am – “Oscar and the Quest for the Underground Princess” by Mousetale Puppets in the Birnam Institute, and opening of community fundraising market in The Cross, Dunkeld – continues until 3.30pm.

1pm – Santa Parade leaves from the Birnam Hotel and makes its way over the bridge to The Cross in Dunkeld escorted by children and young people from local organisations – everyone is welcome to join in.

1.30pm – Santa will be in his Grotto (in the Drill Hall) until 3.30pm to meet the children; the reindeer will also be on display; a programme of music beside the Christmas tree in The Cross including Perth Silver Band, the Dunkeld Handbell Ringers and Carol Singing with Just Singing.

3pm – Announcement of prize draw winners and results of the Best Dressed Window Competition.

3.30pm – Christmas Carol Service in Dunkeld Cathedral.