Councillors will be excluded from making one of the most controversial decisions of the year which celebrity will switch on Perth’s Christmas lights.
They have been told that the honour which fell to singer Peter Andre last year must be decided by unelected officials due to the speed with which decisions have to be taken.
Because of the fast-moving nature of celebrity status and the demand for the services of stars, swift decisions have to be made, Jim Valentine, Perth and Kinross Council’s executive director (environment), told councillors this week.
The role can be a lucrative one Towie star Mark Wright received £7,000 in 2013, which some local people branded a waste of money.
Councillor Willie Robertson asked at a meeting of the enterprise and infrastructure committee how the different elements of the Winter Festival were agreed.
“When these ideas are put forward, how are they assessed?” he asked.
Mr Valentine said there would be discussions with all interested parties but, when it came to booking the entertainment for the Christmas lights switch-on celebrations which has included Boney M and the Bay City Rollers in past years the musical tastes of council officials would need to be relied on to make an informed choice.
“As far as celebrity involvement, you have to be fleet of foot,” he told councillors.
“You have to trust the officers on celebrity bookings we do not have time to go round and consult. You have to trust the officers in terms of entertainment.”
Committee convener John Kellas responded: “Despite reservations about some of the acts, we have had a tremendous response. I, personally, believe that some of the acts, though not my cup of tea, performed very well.
“Looking around and seeing the response from the public and youngsters, I believe there is room for this in the festival.”
Mr Robertson, who had raised the issue, said he was “agnostic” about personalities. suggested that more thought could be given to using “local heroes”.
“I think people would come, anyway,” he maintained. “I do not think the personalities attract that many.”
The committee learned that the peak attendance for the Christmas lights switch- on events was 27,500 and that the day generated expenditure of £1.9 million, though it was conceded that this was a very difficult figure to quantify.
Nearly £57,000 was spent by the council on entertainment for the day.
The High Street winter market, which was criticised by some members of the public and traders, was also raised.
It was agreed that, while there had been problems, elements of the exercise could be successfully replicated in future winter festivals.