City Christmas Pageant organisers determined to get Santa into SA amid coronavirus restrictions
It is the event that marks the start of the festive season and, despite the impacts of COVID-19, Christmas Pageant organisers are determined to go ahead.
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Organisers of the city National Pharmacies Christmas Pageant have remained tight-lipped about how they will pull off this year’s event.
A pageant spokeswoman said they were “committed to welcoming Father Christmas into Adelaide” on November 14.
Organisers are continuing to “plan for potential scenarios” in light of COVID-19, but would not say what those scenarios might be.
“We are, of course, continuing to monitor the situation and advice as it relates to COVID-19,” she said.
“Like every other event, we will be completing a detailed COVID management plan and will work closely with SA Health through this planning, and will advise of any changes when they are available.”
Last year, a crowd of 325,000 welcomed Father Christmas to Adelaide as he made his way to Town Hall, bypassing the traditional stop-off at the Magic Cave on North Tce.
The pageant, which started back in 1933, is the biggest public parade in the southern hemisphere.
Adelaide City Council has committed $75,000 in sponsorship funding towards this year’s event.
The council’s community and culture associate director, Christie Anthoney, was keen to support “innovative” ways to stage this year’s event.
“We want to see yet another memorable pageant and our focus will be on helping ensure as many people as possible can safely attend,” Ms Anthoney said.
“The health and safety of event participants and attendees is our number one priority and we’ll work very closely with organisers and SA Police in the lead-up to the event to make sure it’s a success.
“Our city, more than ever, deserves a memorable Christmas Pageant in 2020 because we know it brings so much joy to the community.”
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Meanwhile, a council committee on Tuesday night will discuss how it can support organisers of large events in the Adelaide Parklands.
A report said the council had to be willing to make amendments to event licences to ensure organisers met COVID regulations.
That could include “significant” changes to an event’s footprint and trading hours to limit the “increase in financial burden” for organisers.
The committee will also discuss giving Tour Down Under organisers permission to set up the tour village in Victoria Square.
