Christmas Pageant returns to Adelaide Oval for 2021, with similar Covid-safe format to last year

The pageant is back – but in a cut-down format again because of Covid, and with very limited numbers.

Get ready for sequins, songs and Santa – the National Pharmacies Christmas Pageant is going ahead this year.

Pageant director Brian Gilbertson said the much-loved event would take place on the evening of Saturday, November 13.

It will follow a similar format to last year, where the pageant took place at Adelaide Oval and was more an “opening ceremony” format rather than the traditional parade through the city.

In 2020, 25,000 spectators who won free tickets through a ballot were able to attend the event.

Crowd numbers and the number of floats and performers for this year’s pageant are yet to be determined.

Father Christmas at the end of the pageant at Adelaide Oval last year. Picture: Keryn Stevens

Further details, as well as information on the ballot, will be announced closer to the day.

“We are building towards a very exciting day,” Mr Gilbertson said.

“There’s a lot of talks to go on between now and then because, as you know, we’re in an ever-changing world.”

Mr Gilbertson said one special guest has already confirmed his attendance.

“I’ve spoken to Father Christmas, and kids, he’s coming,” he said.

“We’ve got special exemptions for him and he’ll be here on the 13th of November guaranteed.”

Premier Steven Marshall said last year’s event was a success and those who miss out on a free ticket to this year’s pageant would still be able to watch all the action on TV.

Gallery: The Christmas Pageant at Adelaide Oval

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“I know that there will be lots and lots of people who’ll be very keen to get along and for those who can’t get along, want to watch it in the comfort of their home, we have a broadcast partner who will be beaming it into people’s lounge rooms at home so that’s absolutely fantastic,” he said.

Mr Marshall said the event was taking on a modified format again this year to keep South Australians safe during the Covid-19 pandemic.

However, he hoped the pageant would return to its traditional format in 2022.

SA Health public health officer Nicola Spurrier said QR codes and masks would be among Covid-safe measures at the pageant.

She said SA Health was working with pageant organisers on the finer details of other measures required.

Last year more than 100,000 people entered an online ballot to secure free tickets for the twilight pageant, which then comprised beloved floats, walking sets, bands and dance groups.

In 2019, the pageant, which has been running annually since 1933, attracted more than 325,000 spectators.