Large crowds lined CBD streets for the 2023 National Pharmacies Christmas Pageant
Santa has made his way to Adelaide Town Hall in front of thousands of revellers at the 2023 Christmas Pageant. Were you captured by our photographers?
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Kids and adults alike screamed Santa’s name as the big man in red made his way through Adelaide’s CBD pulled by eight reindeer.
And sunny skies brought magic back to town after a few years of less-than-ideal weather conditions for the 91st National Pharmacies Christmas Pageant.
About 315,000people gathered to witness the joy, with some setting up camp as early as 1am.
Grandmother of four, soon to be six, Kate Francis was one of the early risers setting up her front row station at 1.30am for her family in Victoria Square.
“We’re Christmas pageant junkies … it’s my 53rd pageant,” she said.
Although according to Ms Francis there weren’t nearly as many early starters this year as years prior.
“We got here at quarter to two last year just to get our spot because it was almost full and this year there was no one here, it was very strange,” the grandmother said.
Also one of the early risers was Jade Lehmann who arrived at 3am to secure her spot right on the blue honour line for her three kids Eden, 11, Ethan, nine and Eli, three and husband Jason.
The Birkenhead family welcomed the sunny skies and mild 23C weather after slogging through the thunderstorm and cold temperatures last year.
“We made it to the pub before it started pouring,” Ms Lehmann said.
The mum-of-three said she’s excited for her three-year-old to experience a traditional pageant without any hiccups.
While the festivities did not formally begin until 9.30am crowds took entertainment into their own hands decorating the roads with chalk and playing games.
Six new and upgraded floats debuted in this year’s parade which started on South Tce before winding around the city and finishing at Victoria Square.
A total of 170 moving theatrical sets, including more than 20 dance groups, and 300 clowns and elves paraded through the CBD streets as part of the pageant’s 91st event.
Eighteen bands and three choirs showcased their musical talents for the crowd as they make their way through the 3.5km route.
Among this year’s special guests were US band Beat Goes On with Channel 9’s Tom Rehn joining in on the tambourine.
Pageant fanatic Alice Lavery, 75, who has come to the Christmas pageant every year since she can remember, except during Covid, was blown away by this year’s festivities.
When asked to chose a favourite float she couldn’t, saying she “loves them all”.
“But I do love Santa at the end,” she admitted.
Ms Lavery brought her daughter Kim Lavery-Thompson and her three great granddaughters. Carrying on the tradition is Ms Lavery-Thompson who has never missed a pageant.
“We were lucky enough to win pageant tickets when it was at the oval (during Covid),” the 52-year-old said.
The pair described the atmosphere at the 91st pageant as “buzzing”.
“It’s just electric,” Ms Lavery-Thompson said. “It’s so good to get back on the streets.”
Victorian Jiad Harrison, 40, came to Adelaide this weekend for the Victorian long weekend and decided to see what the pageant was all about with her partner and two daughters, 10-year-old Eden and seven-year-old Olive.
“It was awesome,” Ms Harrison said.
The family said they wished they had a pageant like it in their state.
Meanwhile Mardi and Simon Graetz couldn’t keep their eyes off the Town Hall balcony at the conclusion of the pageant because their daughter Emily was singing in the Australian Girls Choir.
“It’s her fourth pageant,” Mr Graetz said.
Simon Weber, 48, dropped his wife Shona, 48, and daughters Khayla, 23, and Bella, 14 off early for their performance in the pageant before setting up shop with the rest of his family at 7am.
With him was seven-year-old Millie Weber who was looking forward to waving to Santa and seeing the Australian BBQ float, Ethan Weber, 20, Jayden Weber, 12 and Tahnique Rollins, 19.
Santa Claus, who was able to make room in his busy schedule, addressed the bustling Adelaide crowd in the pageants closing address.
“Merry Christmas,” he said. "I wish you all joy on Christmas and every other day of the year,” he said.
Pageant director Brian Gilbertson said “the sun came out and so did the people of South Australia”.
“It was definitely a pageant to remember,” he said. “We were so thrilled to see so many happy faces behind the blue honour line, what an absolute bumper crowd.”
Perfect weather forecast ahead of 91st Adelaide Christmas pageant
Crowds of up to 300,000 people are expected to line the streets of the CBD tomorrow for what is expected to be the biggest and brightest National Pharmacies Christmas Pageant in years.
Six new and upgraded floats will debut in this years parade, which will start on South Tce before winding around the city to end at Victoria Square.
From 9.30am, families will eagerly await the arrival of Santa, who will stop to greet people outside Town Hall after the pageant.
In a stark comparison to the 2022 pageant, which saw heavy winds and thunderstorm conditions, the temperature is set to reach a clear and sunny 23C.
A total of 170 moving theatrical sets, with more than 20 dance groups and more than 300 clowns and elves will parade through the streets as part of the pageant’s 91st event.
Eighteen bands and three choirs will sing their way through the streets across the 3.5km route.
Among this year’s special guests are US band Beat Goes On, with Channel 9’s Tom Rehn joining in on tambourine.
FIVEAA Mornings host Matthew Pantelis, who has driven the Christmas on Parade London bus in the pageant for twelve years said he’s looking forward to connecting with people on the route and giving them a big wave.
“It’s been a tough year for some so I’m excited to see everyone’s smiles and waves,” Mr Pantelis said.
“I love driving the bus and the excitement of being in the pageant each year. I remember it as a kid and now having the chance to be part of it while driving a historic vehicle is like all of my Christmases are coming at once.”
He said his favourite part of the pageant is the opportunity to be involved each year.
“I feel very lucky to take part in this historic and traditional Adelaide event that brings joy to children and the young at heart.”
Those heading to and from the event will be able to take advantage of free public transportation across Adelaide Metro buses, trains and trams.
The free transport is available to anyone travelling to and from the pageant between 6am and 2pm.
Police are encouraging families to be safe at the event, and are urging parents to be “extra vigilant with young children” among the large crowd numbers.
“I encourage everyone to use the ‘if I’m lost’ wristbands available and to establish a meeting place in case family members become separated,” Superintendent Scott Denny said.
“Many friendly police officers will also be on site should you need assistance.
“Remember to stay behind the blue honour line and we encourage people to use public transport when travelling to and from the event.”
Main roads including King William St, South and North Terrace and Victoria Square will be closed from 5am to 2pm, with Grenfell, Currie and Pulteney streets also affected.
Tourism minister Zoe Bettison said the cherished event would be kicking off the state’s festive season.
“With great access to this free, community event in the heart of Adelaide, we expect to see bumper crowds out and about in the city on Saturday,” she said.
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