Perth’s Christmas lights switch-on was more ”bah humbug” than ”ho ho ho”, attendees have claimed.
Disgruntled locals contacted The Courier to complain about the lack of city centre attractions throughout Sunday, with the streets thronged with people looking for something to do.
Entertainers on the stage outside the city hall tried to keep the festive spirit alive but there was dismay that few people could actually see what was going on in such a cramped space.
The highlight of the day was supposed to be a festive parade followed by the lights being turned on across the centre. But far from creating a carnival atmosphere, the procession has been described as ”blink and you miss it” and was accompanied by an uncensored version of The Pogues’ Fairytale of New York.
And instead of lighting up the city with festive cheer, only one Christmas light actually came on after the big countdown.
A council insider told The Courier: ”It’s a shame because, with something like this, you have a captive audience and a chance to showcase the city centre but it was utterly wasted.
”When you think back to Light Night last year, you can see what can be done this was far short of it though. Nowhere was open and the activity was all centred in a cramped space off the High Street. It was one of the least child-friendly events you could imagine.
”There was nothing whatsoever on George Street or that end of the High Street or round the concert hall all the businesses there just shut up shop because all the trade was in a confined area.
”I know the council will say it’s a free event and money is tight just now but it’s a terrible way to treat people when they have come into the centre especially for an event.
”Feedback I’ve had from a lot of people has been very negative. A lot of folk have been left with a bitter taste in their mouths.”
Gordon Dougall (40), a father of three from Perth, was typical of many who complained, saying he felt ”totally let down.”
He said he spent three hours in the centre trying to get his bored youngsters into the Christmas spirit before the whole family went home disappointed when the lights failed to go on.Crammed”The stage is crammed in to a tiny space beside the city hall is the council trying to make a point about the need for a square now they’ve decided to build one?
”Unless you got there really early, there is no way to see anything that’s going on and, with small kids, it’s impossible. There were no reindeer, the music was inappropriate and there was no entertainment.
”I’m sure the street vendors with their glow sticks did a roaring trade there was nothing else to do but wave them about.
”When the parade finally came, it was blink-and-you-miss-it stuff. Then, of course, after trying to keep the kids built up and enthusiastic for hours on end, there was the big countdown and the lights didn’t even come on.”
A city centre cafe owner saw things slightly differently but called for a better show next year.
He said: ”In a way it’s a good thing for a business like ours because, when there’s not a lot to do you’re more inclined to come in for a cup of coffee, keep the kids fed and spend a bit of spare cash.
”That said, it’s the second year in a row that such a major event has been lacklustre at best and people will just not bother in future if that becomes the standard. In the long run, we lose out and I would hope there is a review ahead of next year.”
The £50,000 event is organised by Perth Common Good Fund. Its convener, Councillor Calllum Gillies, said: ”We have received many positive comments about Sunday’s Christmas lights switch-on which was very well attended, so it is unfortunate to hear a few members of the public were unhappy with what was provided.
”There was a full range of street entertainment for all ages from stilt walkers to a puppeteer and a juggler in and around the High Street. All the advertised entertainment was provided on Sunday.
“I am aware that some of the Christmas lights did not come on immediately but the city centre is very widely lit and all reasonable steps are taken to have the lights come on at or around the same time.
”If anyone feels the switch-on could be improved in future ” I would like to hear their ideas.”