The 39th Perth Festival of the Arts will be opened by legendary American singer-songwriter Don McLean tonight.
Best known for his 1971 hit American Pie, he will be performing at Perth Concert Hall.
In a career spanning nearly 40 years, including inauguration into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2004, Don has released over 20 albums and will treat his Perth fans to a string of hits.
This is a special year for the festival as it coincides with Perth 800 a year of events in Perth and Kinross to mark the 800th anniversary of the granting of the Royal Burgh Charter to Perth by King William the Lion in 1210.
Festival chairman Craig Dennis said, “The festival is delighted to be part of these celebrations.
“This year is Perth Concert Hall’s fifth birthday and the fantastic facilities have made a huge difference to both Perth and the festival. Perth has much to celebrate and be proud of.”
As well as the concert hall, Perth Theatre and St John’s Kirk will also be staging events.
The festival will stage a gala concert for Perth 800 on May 28 in Perth Concert Hall, featuring the Royal Scottish National Orchestra, conducted by Sir Andrew Davis, and US soprano Barbara Bonney, one of the world’s most accomplished lyric sopranos.
She leads the field in roles by Mozart and Richard Strauss and is increasingly recognised as one of the finest Lieder and concert performers of her generation.
She said, “I am so happy and honoured to be taking part in the celebrations of the 800th anniversary of Perth.”
Sharleen Spiteri, best known for fronting multi-million-selling UK rock band Texas with three multi-platinum albums and 13 top 10 hits has also joined the lineup.
American standup comedian and QI regular Rich Hall, writer Will Self, antiques expert Eric Knowles, an award-winning production of Animal Farm and a Festival Fling with Tiree Celtic band Skerryvore are other highlights.
The festival runs until May 30.
For more information visit its website.
Photos used under Creative Commons licence courtesy of Flickr users Mc-Q, Shetland Arts and M+MD.