Wow,I can’t believe I have the privilege of bringing you the first ever physical edition of our What’s On guide. I’m absolutely blown away by the response we have had to this, and I appreciate every single person who has been involved. This edition is such a beautiful way to kick off. Packed with stories, commentary on events, and so much to fill your calendar with.
It goes without saying the past few years have been extremely difficult. As a community we tried our damned hardest to make the best out of a bad situation with varied success. From live DJ streams, table service whilst freezing our wee bums off in the cafe quarter to limited capacity events.
When things started to look like they were going back to ‘normal’ I thought it was high time we launched our monthly online what’s on guide. Then after a few chaotic months we are here, with our physical edition and hopefully the first of many.
Pulling this together and being able to involve all these incredible and talented people has been an honour. In this edition you’ll find smashing content from the likes of Perth’s Women, JAIMIE, Mitch Hunter, Hayley Zalassi as well as Perth City & Towns, Horsecross and Perth City Gift Card. All packed in to the one magazine. Correct me if i’m wrong, but I’m not sure this has actually ever been done before on this scale.
We have some major events on the horizon and Perth will be put on the map for our events calendar. With Otherlands Festival just announced for August at Scone Palace, the International Women’s Day RASAC fundraiser next month, Perth’s Beer Festival, Solas Festival, monthly markets, the skate jam and so much more.
We are also so blessed to have such brilliant venues right here on our doorstep. From The Twa Tams and Mucky’s to The Auld Hoose & The Ship Inn. Music events are popping up all
over our city. Weekends are filling up with packed-DJ nights at Ice Factory and the new EGO nightclub. With the festival calendar looking like one of the best we’ve had in decades.
Thank you all for taking the time to read our work. Our first ever edition and the start of something really special. Filled with such vibrant and thoughtful stories, art, and photography there’s absolutely no place for this magazine other than framed on your wall - after you’ve read it of course.
Despite losing out on some of Perth’s larger events in 2021 like the Christmas Light Switch On, Rewind Festival & Party in The Park, we were still very lucky with what did manage to go ahead in these strange times.
Onepersonal highlight for us was covering the Live and Unlocked Festival held at the Horsecross Plaza as soon as the restrictions were lifted. It was a wonderful sight to see with many acts taking to the stage to entertain. And boy, did we need that!
The Yard managed to keep us going all year with their regular monthly market with live music and amazing street food to boot. And of course, we managed to squeeze in the panto where Cinderella was brought to life in Perth Theatre. With a stunning stage, incredible songs and all the Christmas cheer they could throw at us.
Let’s not forget Paws in the Palace and the Energy Festival at Scone Palace which shows real potential moving forward. Hopefully this year we’ll see all these events returning to some level of normality. It’s really hard to plan ahead when the future is so unsettled, but things are starting to look up.
Ian Potter & David Stobbie
We’d also love to see smaller scaled events taking place with a manageable amount of people and community support. There’s still fear in the air. Fear of germs and being too close to each other. That’s not going away quickly so we need to cater for that when making plans.
Whatever transpires in the next twelve months, the Perth Podcast will be there to chat about upcoming events, happenings and experiences from, and for, the people of this Fair City.
If you’ve got an event in the making for 2022 and beyond, drop us a line at The Perth Podcast and you might find yourself in the next episode…
Listen to us here: www.fcpod.net/podcasts/the-perth-podcast
TOP: Paws At The Palace made Perth Podcast’s Highlights of 2021
CELEBRATING PERTH’S WOMEN IN 2022
In2022, there is no lack of incredible Women taking remarkable steps to change our Fair City. Whether it’s in business, culture, or education we are a city of thriving females on the front line. Over the years we have watched incredible women-led organisations like the Menopause Café, Evalucia, Mhor Coffee and The Yard positively impact our community. This year, in Scotland’s Year of Stories, a new community group is stepping up beside these Women to start taking steps toward better female representation on our streets.
Perth’s Women is a women-led community movement dedicated to increasing female representation in Perth & Kinross. Founded in frustration between the archives of Perth Museum & Art Gallery, Perth’s Women aims to shine a light on the stories of women past and present. The community group organise under three main aims:
• To raise awareness of our foremothers and their stories.
• To challenge local culture organisations to improve recognition of Women’s history.
• To dedicate a statue to a remarkable female figure from our past.
To achieve these goals, we are committed to creating an exciting programme of events that anyone in Perth & Kinross can get involved with. If you’d like to be a part of the journey you can follow us on Facebook & Instagram.
Instagram : @perthswomen Facebook: /perthswomen
The Mini Museum
What is it?
In 2021 we brought Perth’s first Women’s History Museum to the High Street; a two-day event attended by over two-hundred people. The museum explored the stories of Women in Perth from the 16th century right through to the modern day with objects on loan from Perth Museum & Art Gallery.
What’s Next?
In the Summer of 2022, the Women’s History Museum will go on a tour of schools and community centres, allowing everyone to experience the story of Perth’s Women and even offering the chance to add your own story to the display.
The Women’s Walk
What is it?
Another first for the Fair City is the Women’s Walk – modelled after the popular Women’s Trail in Dundee. A monthly group meeting to create a map of Women’s History around the City Centre to be used by locals and tourists alike.
What’s Next?
On the second Saturday of every month at A.K. Bell Library you can be a part of this exciting new project. There is the chance to tell Women’s stories, design a map of the city, meet new people and create better representation for Women’s history in Perth & Kinross.
To get involved simply send us an email: perthswomen@gmail.com
Author: Taylor Waggoner (bottom left)
A NOTE FROM HORSECROSS: NICK WILLIAMS ON CONNECTING COMMUNITIES
If these past couple of years have taught us anything, it’s that Perth Concert Hall and Perth Theatre are much more than bricks, mortar, acoustically excellent auditoria, and elegant Edwardian gilding.
Right from the devastating day in March 2020 when we were forced to close the doors at our beautiful city centre venues, we recognised the leading role they play in connecting people - a connection that we were determined to maintain throughout the darkly challenging days we were all living through.
From the first lockdown we launched daily blogs and online workshops. We created the only live and interactive digital panto in the UK. Perth Concert Hall became the first venue in Scotland to reopen for live in-person concerts. Gig On A Truck brought music and laughter to care home car parks. We opened the Live & Unlocked summer festival as soon as outside performances were permitted. At every turn, the team adapted and innovated, becoming industry pioneers along the way. We were thrilled that this was recognised through our Best COVID Response and Reinvention Award at the Perthshire Chamber of Commerce Business Star Awards 2021.
But nothing beats the energy and excitement of welcoming people into our venues. When we reopened in autumn 2021, we were overwhelmed by the eagerness of audiences to return to live performance and inperson get-togethers. Shows sold out, bar takings were busy and our fabulous pantomime Cinderella looked set to beat all previous Box Office records.
But then, when new restrictions hit in December, we were forced to bring the curtain down once again. Albeit for a relatively short period but coming at our busiest - and most profitabletime of year, it was a further hammer blow to the team.
Yet, once again, we kept up the creative momentum.
Just as we closed our doors, we treated audiences to a special Boxing Day gift by sharing The Dress, a specially created video starring Karen Dunbar.
Made with funding from The National Lottery Heritage Fund thanks to the National Lottery and its players, the poignant short film sees Karen exploring Perth Theatre, experiencing some spine-chilling moments, and encountering some ghosts of past productions. It is, essentially, a love letter to the theatre’s historic roots and a celebration of the essential role
that Perth Concert Hall and venues across the country play in bringing people together.
And that’s what we’re doing. We’re welcoming audiences and communities back with a full programme of shows and activities for the first six months of 2022. Our first season brochure since spring 2020 is packed with theatre, music, opera, comedy, dance, film, participatory workshops and more for the whole family to enjoy.
It may be a cliché to say there’s something for everyone within the 60 pages, but it’s true. We’ve got
stunning classical concerts and world class operas, some of the best family theatre and thought-provoking dramas around, great acts from across the rock, pop and folk spectrum, TV dance favourites and a who’s who of top-notch comedians. And we’re carrying on our outreach work with a comprehensive Learning and Engagement programme for young people, disadvantaged communities, and those with challenging life circumstances.
To cap it all, there’s a chance for everyone from across the area to take their turn in the spotlight by taking part in Oh When The Saints, our community show celebrating the city’s beloved football club.
In our venues, we continue to go above and beyond to ensure the safety and comfort of audiences with enhanced airflow throughout, crowd flow systems and backstage distancing as well as implementing the mandatory wearing of face coverings and providing regular hand sanitisation stations.
We’re here for our community and our community is here for us - as demonstrated through the many messages of support - and donations - we received over the past 24 months. We look to the future with cautious optimism, a strong sense of team spirit and the support of acquaintances and friends both new and old.
You could sense the impending restrictions in the air before they came. Just days before the UK went into lockdown a close friend and I met up for coffee at 269 Vegan, wary that some level of change to movement might be on the horizon. In hindsight, I’m glad we made the call that we did as I can’t remember how long passed before I next got the opportunity to repeat the simple pleasure of a coffee and human contact.
2020 was a year that had been opening up full of opportunities. My work was giving me the chance to travel overseas; and the first event that I was due to attend in a professional capacity –the inaugural Madrid Yarn Festival – was cancelled on 15 March as Spain went into lockdown. This was closely followed by a retreat in May on the Greek island of Rhodes being scored through in my diary.
On a shoestring budget and the goodwill of like-minded creatives. In a bitter twist this same Festival was also the last large event I was to attend – in September 2019 – prior to lockdown and the instructions to Stay At Home. Gone were celebrations with people coming together in my
leafing through their pages and gently returning them to their shelves if they didn’t pique my interest. At least once every seven to ten days I would venture into the centre and do some remote working in a favourite independent cafe such as the aforementioned 269 Vegan or Little Bird. I understood that some of my most creative and innovative thinking would happen if I changed my surroundings. A person is not an island, and even if we choose not to engage with others in conversation, simply being around people is essential for our wellbeing.
Perth recently becoming a UNESCO City of Craft and Folk Art gives me a sense of pride, and more importantly, a cause for hope.
The days, the weeks, the months ticked on and I became scarily aware that I was looking at having to make the difficult decision to cancel my own event, Perth Festival of Yarn; my passion and also my entire livelihood that I had built from scratch in 2016.
adopted home town from 20 different countries, the tutors flying in from as far afield as Portugal and Japan, the fringe events including our gin flights and fashion shows.
Prior to lockdown I found joy in visiting my local library, being able to place my hands on paperback books,
I can’t wait to get home and see my loved ones. They live in a small village on the West Coast and with my mum shielding from the start of lockdown, it hasn’t been safe to see her never mind hold her in my arms. No matter how many times I may tell her I love her on the phone it will never make up for this enforced time apart. We’ll never get it back.
I miss being able to make plans both personally and professionally. It has become incredibly difficult and at times down-right terrifying to run my business safely (or at all) within the events industry.
Author: Eva Christie Images: Lightpress Design
I miss the experience of live music and absorbing the energy which comes as part of being in a crowd; although I was extremely lucky to witness Manic Street Preachers in Dundee last October just before vaccine passports were introduced.
Only time will tell what the future holds for us all but we do have the chance to shape it. While there’s understandably a natural nervousness about returning to the way of life we had, there’s also a very human hunger to fight and either find a way back to enjoy that which many of us took for granted or forge a new way forward. It’s true what they say, “you don’t know what you’ve got ‘til it’s gone” but we can make conscious choices to support our remaining local businesses even when we’re buying online and to get behind local charities by donating goods or sharing their appeals on social media when income is tight.
Perth recently becoming a UNESCO City of Craft and Folk Art gives me a sense of pride, and more importantly, a cause for hope.
Eva Christie,
Perth Festival of Yarn
PERTH FESTIVAL OF YARN 2022
10 & 11 September
In-Person at Dewars Centre, Perth
More info at: perthfestivalofyarn.uk
Instagram: @perthfestivalofyarn
5 MINUTES WITH
JAIMIE
Jaimie
Kerr, who goes under the alias JAIMIE, is an up-andcoming Perth DJ who has been taking our dancefloors by storm. JAIMIE has recently become a resident at new club night Planet Dance as well as securing her own monthly residency at The Sandeman in Perth. JAIMIE is using her new found success to support other DJs who have come up through MADE Academy, like she did. Well in JAIMIE.
What was it like trying to organise events whilst faced with COVID restrictions?
I have been quite lucky that we started organising Jaimie Selects at the back end of the Pandemic although we have still faced some challenges. We need to look at what’s enjoyable for everyone coming to the night, as well as the workers at The Sandeman. We did cancel our December event due to restrictions of table service, 3 households per table and no dancefloor, which we agreed isn’t what Jaimie Selects is all about.
Can you give us a hint as to what to expect (or who to expect) this year at JAIMIE Selects?
You will definitely see a lot more up
and coming DJs who are involved in Made Academy, where I learned to DJ. You may also see JAIMIE Selects in another city at a music event very soon…
What do you think the nightclub scene will look like in Perth this year?
Perth’s nightclub scene is looking good for this year with bigger names coming to the city. Also local promoters Planet Dance, Voyage and Groovement giving up and coming DJs a chance to play is another great way of getting everyone down to The Ice Factory.
How do you think Perth’s nightlife scene fares up to other cities in Scotland?
Perth has a lot to offer and with Otherlands being hosted at Scone Palace, this is another great way to get Perth out there to other cities. I hope with this summer’s festivals and bigger names coming to our clubs that we have a lot more people travelling to Perth for our nightlife.
JAIMIE is playing at The Sandeman, Friday 11th March 2022, 9:30pm til 1:30am (last entry 12:00am)
WATERCOLOUR WORKSHOP WITH CLARE ROBINSON @ QUINCE & COOK
ED BYRNE @ PERTH CONCERT HALL THE ROYAL OPERA: RIGOLETTO LIVE @ PERTH PLAYHOUSE
PEAT & DIESEL @ PERTH CONCERT HALL
SCOTTISH OPEN BRASS BAND CHAMPIONSHIPS @ PERTH CONCERT HALL
SONGS FOR ST JOHNSTONE @ PERTH THEATRE
THE MISERLY KNIGHTS AND MAVRA @ PERTH CONCERT HALL (OPERA)
MIS(SING) INFORMATION EXHIBITION @ PERTH MUSEUM & ART GALLERY 19th March - 19th June
ICE SKATING @ DEWARS PERTH
SPRING BARKET @ THE YARD
SPUDS @ JOAN KNIGHT STUDIO
THE WONDERFUL STORY OF HENRY SUGAR @ PERTH THEATRE
24th March - 2nd April
SPACE: FACT & FICTION @ PERTH MUSEUM & ART GALLERY
5th March - 29th May
MIS(SING) INFORMATION EXHIBITION @ PERTH MUSEUM & ART GALLERY
THE WEDDING SINGER @ PERTH THEATRE
JESS GILLAM IN RECITAL @ PERTH CONCERT HALL
THE ROYAL OPERA: LA TRAVIATA LIVE @ PERTH PLAYHOUSE
MAGICAL MUSIC OF HARRY POTTER @ PERTH CONCERT HALL
AS YOU LIKE IT @ PERTH THEATRE
JOHNNY CASH ROADSHOW @ PERTH CONCERT HALL
THE PARADIS FILES @ PERTH THEATRE
MIS(SING) INFORMATION EXHIBITION @ PERTH MUSEUM & ART GALLERY
BIZET’S CARMEN @ PERTH CONCERT HALL
I AM TIGER @ PERTH THEATRE
SPONTANEOUS POTTER @ JOAN KNIGHT STUDIO
ONE NIGHT AT THE DISCO @ PERTH CONCERT HALL
PERTH BEER FESTIVAL @ NORTH INCH PERTH
MICHAEL STARRING BEN @ PERTH CONCERT HALL
LADIES OF LETTERS @ PERTH THEATRE
PITRODDIE TO PERTH RACES - LADIES DAY @ PERTH RACECOURSE
THE ROYAL BALLET: SWAN LAKE LIVE @ PERTH PLAYHOUSE
PERTH FESTIVAL OF THE ARTS @ VARIOUS LOCATIONS
SPACE: FACT & FICTION @ PERTH MUSEUM & ART GALLERY 5th March - 29th May
OH WHEN THE SAINTS @ PERTH THEATRE
RECURRING EVENTS
GREYFRIARS OPEN MIC
ALAN CARR @ PERTH CONCERT HALL
#FLUSHFEST @ VIRTUAL FESTIVAL
SOLAS FESTIVAL @ ERROL PARK
PARTY AT THE PARK @ SOUTH INCH
THE ULTIMATE EAGLES @ PERTH CONCERT HALL
GANGSTA GRANNY @ PERTH THEATRE
REWIND FESTIVAL @ SCONE PALACE
OTHERLANDS @ SCONE PALACE
THROUGHOUT
PERTH SKATE JAM @ SOUTH INCH PERTH
OPEN MIC @ DUTCH & PABLO’S
HEIST @ EGO NIGHTCLUB THAT BAR LATE LOUNGE
TWA TAMS OPEN MIC
ERROL CAR BOOT SALE
PERTH FARMERS MARKET
THE YARD @ ICE FACTORY
JAIMIE SELECTS @ SANDEMAN
WORKSHOPS & IN-STORE EVENTS @ QUINCE & COOK >29 09 JUN 24 JUN
PERTH FILM SOCIETY
MITCH HUNTER ON CLUBS IN 2022
Author: Mitch Hunter (CRAIGIE KNOWES)
The 21st of August 2021 was the day in the calendar for clubbing in Perth.
With the Ice Factory opening to a sold out crowd. Punters enjoyed the sounds from DJ’s of Groovement, The Rhumba Club & Voyage. Proving once again why they have been so popular with locals over the years. This was also a chance for the club formerly known as The Bank to reopen as EGO nightclub after a much needed & welcomed renovation, boasting an infamous Void sound system & state of the art lighting at the city centre venue. Along with the new refurb came a weekly Friday night party, Heist. Providing an alternative side to the non-commercial scene in Perth with a selection of hip hop, rap & RnB for people to vibe with.
The following months included the likes of Liam Doc returning to Voyage as well as Ice Factory debuts for hard hitting house DJ, Dance System & Scotlands new favourite son, Ewan McVicar. The latter headlined the opening of new night, Planet Dance. Planet Dance provided a chance for a homecoming for label & DJ duo Craigie Knowes who have moved their headquarters from Glasgow back to their home in Perth, reaffirming their roots in the city.
There was also another debut at the Ice Factory which took the ears of party goers. JAIMIE, a local up & coming DJ rocked the courtyard at the inaugural Planet Dance so hard that she bagged herself a residency with them. Having been witness to her set myself, I can confirm it is thoroughly deserved despite her only DJing for around a year or so.
Craigie Knowes have moved their headquarters from Glasgow back to their home in Perth, reaffirming their roots in the city.
While we are on the subject of up & coming Perth DJ’s I’d also like to shine some light on Progressive, a DJ duo who once again are doing good things. Having already played at Sub Club & secured a residency at Voyage. It’s great to see young artists in Perth putting themselves out there & getting the rewards, long may it continue.
Over the next few weeks The Ice Factory will be once again proving why it’s the go to venue for underground dance music in the area. With Planet Dance hosting their first party of the year on Feb 26th. River Rapids Records boss, Eclair Fifi will be headlining the Wildlife along with Fly Club resident Hayley Zalassi who is making her Ice Factory debut in the courtyard. Once again JAIMIE & Craigie Knowes will be on warmup duties.
The following week on Saturday the 5th of March Voyage welcomes Mella Dee to Perth which is sure to be a high energy affair. Hen Broon, Macka, Progressive & Kane Kirkpatrick are also on the lineup for the evening. Looking a little further into the year I recommend you all note Friday the 19th of August in your diary & take the Monday off work as well. Otherlands music & arts festival has chosen Scone Palace as it’s home, which will see 15,000 people descend on the beautiful historic site to dance for 3 days in one of the most picturesque settings in Scotland.
As I write this we have only been advised of the first wave of acts which include Bicep Live, Jamie XX, Honey Dijon & the legend that is Ricardo Villalobos. I would put money on this going straight into the top 3 festivals in the UK this summer.
HAYLEY ZALASSI ON OTHERLANDS FESTIVAL & PLANET DANCE
Author: Jo Dargie
Otherlands Music & Art Festival is set to debut a magical weekend of music, art displays, glamping, and more at Scone Palace, 19th-21st August. Flying the flag for Scotland’s electronic scene, DJ and producer Hayley Zalassi was one of the first artists to join the line-up.
From Scottish festivals to the White Isle Ibiza. Let’s go back to the start of your DJ career, how did it all begin?
I worked in The Arches [Glasgow] behind the bar when all the club nights were on and I’d be kicking about the back seeing how it all worked. After studying at Riverside Music Complex I won a competition for a slot at a party in Motherwell and met Andrew Raeside who later ended up working for Defected Records. I’d been doing some bits around Glasgow but it felt very male dominated. It was hard to get your foot in the door and get slots. Always getting put on first and never really having a say in anything. So in 2019 I was like ‘scrap this, I’m going to go over to Ibiza.’ Andrew Raeside put me in touch with The Highlander Bar and I got myself a weekly slot. That summer then kick-started more opportunities for me back home.
what?! To be on a line-up with Honey Dijon, Ricardo Villalobos, Bicep, Jamie XX, I don’t know how it can actually get much better than that!
What are your experiences of Perth’s nightlife scene?
I’ve never actually been to Perth for a night out. I’m going to be playing Ice Factory for Planet Dance with Craigie Knowes, Eclair Fifi and JAIMIE on February 26th so that’ll be my first introduction to Perth. I’ve only been to Perth before when I went to T in The Park!
To be on a line-up with Honey Dijon, Ricardo Villalobos, Bicep, Jamie XX, I don’t know how it can actually get much better than that!
For any of Perth’s festival-goers who aren’t as familiar with you, can you describe the sound and energy of a Hayley Zalassi set?
How are you feeling about joining the line-up for the debut Otherlands Music & Arts Festival this summer?
I’m so excited for this festival! This year I became a resident DJ for FLY who are putting on Otherlands. For them to ask me to play on such a huge lineup shows that they’re a great platform for new artists to breakthrough in the industry. The way Otherlands has been promoted so far, I’m getting In The Woods/Lost Village vibes. When the line-up actually came out I was like
If we’re talking peak time, high energy, a lot of vocals and always very uplifting. I always tend to slot in something a wee bit familiar. Maybe some edits from the 80s/90s just to take people back a bit but always with a new twist on it.
What’s in store for 2022?
So far we’ve got FLY Open Air in May, The Return of The SLAM Tent in March. I’m also on the line-up for FLY Ibiza. I’ve also got my first festival down south! And my headline show at Sneaky Pete’s in Edinburgh in July. This year is looking busy but I’m here for it. More info + tickets available: otherlandsfestival.com
Make It An Inspired Experience with Perth City & Towns
From the vibrant heart of a bright, city centre to the towering peaks of majestic Munros, Perthshire offers everything you need to relax, recharge, and re energise.
The
‘something-for-everyone’ claim being made by tourism destinations across the UK may well become 2022’s most popular catchphrase, but when it comes to the action-packed, naturebathed, foodie-heaven that is Perthshire, it’s a fitting accolade.
At a time when we’ve all revisited our ‘holiday essentials’ list, the need for a real experience, packed with memories and joy, has never been greater. For some that will mean relaxing in the tranquillity of daily hikes through nature, for others it will be the hustle and bustle of lively shops and lovedby-locals restaurants - and for a few it will include throwing themselves from a bridge while attached to a giant rubber band!
What has become clear as we’ve navigated our way through the past 2 years is that we all share a common goal to reconnect; whether that be with our friends, families or nature, there is a real desire to make every
moment count. And this is where Perthshire really comes into its own.
An extremely well-connected, diverse geography allows you to move seamlessly from a compact city centre famed for its independent shopping and unrivalled choice of eateries, to a diverse rural landscape that includes hills, rivers, and any number of thriving towns.
It is here, in the warmth and authenticity of Perthshire’s closeknit communities, that a new generation of Scots are finding adventure and creating the memories they’ve been missing.
From lochs and Munros to world-class food and drink, a commitment to the environment and an entrepreneurial spirit that has delivered everything from artisan bakeries to galleries of local makers, paddleboard instructors to craft gin distilleries, Perthshire offers the rich indulgence of modern life in a real and meaningful way.
#BeInspiredPerthshire
Perthshire always has a myriad of wee hidden gems and top tips that are loved by locals. PerthCity.co.uk is the digital home of the best stories, ideas, and itineraries. Here’s a flavour of what’s on offer:
Bag A Munro or Two
Perthshire is home to 28 of Scotland’s 282 Munros making the area a first-choice destination for Munro bagging aficionados, enthusiastic hillwalkers, and outdoor adventurers.
Indulge In Afternoon Tea
Perthshire is full of gorgeous afternoon tea venues; enjoy yours in sumptuous castle surroundings with stunning views, tuck in while nestled in the warmth and comfort of a local cafe or sit back and enjoy it alfresco by the river.
Shop For Scotland
This carefully curated list has pulled together the galleries, gift shops and delis specialising in Perthshire and Scottish-made artisanal goods to offer all lovers of shopping an utterly unique experience. Read all four articles in our Be Inspired Perthshire section on Perthcity.co.uk
5 MINUTES WITH OLIVIA WATSON
Wecaught up with our new events editor and local live music buff Liv to chat about how she got on during the pandemic. Liv will be working on our monthly what’s on guide as well as interviews, reviews and other exciting events content…
What was it like trying to organise and attend events in Perth during the pandemic?
I personally didn’t organise anything because I saw the stress on my friends who were trying to persevere on with live events. The amount of things that are out of your control and the constant changing rules - it didn’t look fun. I tried to cautiously attend as much as I could to support the local freelancers in Perth but it just wasn’t the same. As much as you could try and pretend you were having a good time, there was always the ever-present conversation of the pandemic and what it was doing to the industry.
What do you think events in Perth will look like in 2022?
I’m manifesting all events going ahead. Last year looked so promising but with the cancellation of the beer festival, Party at The Park etc. I think it really did take a toll on the people in Perth. I dread to think of a 3rd summer of missing out and I really
believe this is the year we get back to the fields! I think everyone is ready to enjoy themselves again.
How do you think events and live music in Perth fares up to the other cities?
We have smaller venues compared to other surrounding cities but it packs a solid punch. A friend was back from Glasgow a few weekends ago and we sat in a hustling Greyfriars listening to the live acts and the entirety of the pub was singing along, she said there’s nothing like this in Glasgow. There’s something that seems a bit more united in Perth, and I get a good feeling about it. I always rate the live events and people always seem up for coming, there’s definitely a strong network here.
What are you looking forward to in 2022?
I think this year the performers, artists and creatives in general are going to give it their absolute all. This is the year when they’re finally allowed to showcase what they have worked so hard on throughout the pandemic. I’m really looking forward to seeing that. There is so much going on in March already that I am really excited to attend, I hope future months come with the same notion.
SPEND & STAY LOCAL WITH THE PERTH CITY GIFT CARD
Home to around 1000 food and drink businesses, and some of the best shopping in Scotland, it’s no wonder the Fair City attracts over 2.3 million tourist visits each year and is regularly voted as one of the best places to live. And with so much happening in Perth in 2022, there has never been a better time to get out in the city, supporting local businesses and traders, made even easier with a Perth Gift Card in your hand!
The Perth Gift Card can be spent with over 80 businesses in the city of all types, so you can start with shopping at Perth’s quirky independents, like Quince & Cook with its gorgeous locally made collections, kitchenware and gifts (keep an eye out for their craft/design workshops and cookery classes). Then there’s the Bean Shop for your specialty coffee and Precious Sparkle for I-need-it clothes, jewellery and homeware.
When you’re shopping in Perth, don’t miss its popular artisan markets. In 2022, the Perth Farmers’ Market returns to the South Inch Car Park,
where you can pick up everything from oysters to macarons. The Yard, a market for creatives and food traders, takes place on the last Sunday of every month at The Ice Factory, and is just the place for enjoying tasty street food and picking up unique items from independent makers.
Make a day of it in Perth with lunch at Café Tabou in Perth’s Café Quarter, or the award winning 63 Tay Street, before a little pampering at Craig Duncan Hair or Nail Diamond.
Evenings are all set too with the Perth Gift Card, use it to catch a concert at Perth Concert Hall and Theatre. Tony Hadley’s 40th Anniversary Tour hits Perth in March, The Royal Scottish National Orchestra performs its Shostakovich Spectacular in April, and Scotland’s professional touring company Bohemia makes its Perth Festival debut with Puccini’s masterpiece Madama Butterfly in May.
We’re also keeping our fingers crossed for some cracking live events
in Perth in 2022, like Perth Burns Night Take 2 on Saturday 26th February with stages in Horsecross Plaza, walkabout performers, poets and bands, the Grand Burns Parade at 5pm and finishing off the evening with free live music in Perth’s hotels. Plus, Perth’s 2 day boutique music festival, Party At The Park, is set to take place in June 2022 and is billed as ‘summer’s biggest party’. Then there’s the homage to the 80s at The Rewind Festival, taking place in July 2022 at Scone Palace, with acts including Billy Ocean, Holly Johnson and Wet Wet Wet.
2022 is shaping up to be a great year, as we hopefully head toward normal capacity events and busy city centres. There’s no better time than now to give a loved one a gift card to spend and stay local and enjoy everything our Fair City has to offer.
Perth Gift Cards are available from just £5. Find out more about the amazing businesses where you can spend your Perth Gift Card at:
www.townandcitygiftcards.com
JOIN US!
Tues & Thurs 630PM Sat 8AM
Meeting Point: Bells Sports Centre Car Park
Business Events
For business events & learning opportunities all year round, check out:
• Business Gateway
• Perth UHI Open Days
• Perthshire Chamber of Commerce
• Perthshire’s Businesswomen’s Network
• Citizens Advice Bureau
• Skills & Employment Initiatives Perth
• Perth’s Creative Exchange
Whether you are looking for support for your growing business or you have an idea for a new start-up there’s plenty of support options for you in Perth. Our city offers a vibrant business ecosystem that can support you at any stage of your journey through a wide range of events.
Sporting Events
Sporting events, activities & fixtures all year round, check out:
• Live Active Leisure
• St Johnstone FC
• Jeanfield Swifts
• Perthshire Rugby
• Rugby Tots
• Fair City Jiu Jitsu
• Scotland All-Strong
• Club 300
You can take part in a whole host of sporting events in our fair city - by either watching them or being involved in them. From summer time fitness & activity camps to indoor winter ice skating. Don’t forget to support your local clubs and teams and head along to fixtures when possible as well!
• 1:1 advice
• Local support
• Webinars
• Online resources
• Digital upskilling
This is a selection of our favourite images from our friends over at Pictures of Perth. Be sure to join their Facebook group,and upload some of your own for the chance to be featured in future editions. Search Facebook for “Pictures of Perth and Beyond”.
It’s our people who make Balhousie Care Group amazing - the everyday heroes who are as committed as we are to providing innovative, award-winning, quality care based on our core company values.
Balhousie North Inch, 99 Hay Street, Perth, Perthshire, PH1 5HS
T: 01738 632233
• COMPETITIVE PAY
• EXCELLENT BENEFITS
We’re on the lookout for care and domestic staff to join our care home team. Visit our website for vacancies or drop us a line.
Here’s what you’ll get:
• Competitive salary
• Excellent benefits package
• Flexibility with shifts and school-friendly hours
• Opportunities for career progression
Inspiring Trusted Responsive Passionate
If you’d like to be one of our everyday heroes contact careers@balhousiecare.co.uk or visit our website. T: 01738 254254 www.balhousiecare.co.uk
WANT TO ADVERTISE WITH PERTH LIFE?
We aim to run up to 4 editions of this What’s On guide every year and are looking for advertisers to help make this possible.
Opportunities include sponsorship for our online monthly What’s On guide and a range of advertising and advertorial options in our physical magazine, with growing readership and competitive pricing. If your business or cause could benefit from having access to our engaged and active community then send us an email to hello@perthlifescot.co.uk
We’re also on the lookout for partners across Dundee, Fife & Stirling. If these are your areas - we want to hear from you.
We are so blessed to have received such incredible support for our first ever physical edition. With special thanks to: Perth & Kinross Council • Perth City & Towns • Perth City Gift Card • Horsecross Perth • AK Bell Library • Starbucks Perth • The Twa Tams • Pictures Of Perth & Beyond • Perth UHI digital media apprentices • Highbeat Digital • Hollie’s Mum & NHS Tayside • Printed by Barr Printers Dundee. Partially Funded by The Micro Enterprise Fund with thanks to our advertisers Balhousie Care Group, Perth Festival of the Arts, Peak Performance & Business Gateway.
