Bluey, Terrapin Puppets and live blue heelers to steal the show in this year’s Hobart pageant

Thousands lined the streets for Hobart’s Christmas Pageant, which included a special appearance from Bluey and his band of furry friends. But, Santa still was the major drawcard.

Pa Ubu, father of Terrapin Puppet Theatre’s latest creation The Christmas Puppy, will feature in Saturday’s pageant. Picture: Linda Higginson

The humidity did not stop hundreds of families from gathering early on Liverpool Street for this year’s City of Hobart Christmas Pageant.

While there was much hype for special guest Bluey, Cath Carrillo said daughters Isla, 3, and Sienna, 11, were eager to catch a glimpse of Santa.

“I’ve been coming here 16 years with my eldest daughter, and I don’t think we’ve missed a year,” she said.

“We’re Bluey fans but we’re more excited for Santa and the start of the Christmas festivities.”

Evie Mihal, 8, Penny Kertesz, 7, Rosa Mihal, 6, at Hobart Christmas Pageant. Picture: Nikki Davis-Jones

The same went for Ruth Miahl and daughters Everly, 8, and Rosebel, 6, who also brought along good friend Penny, 7.

“They’re a bit excited to see Bluey, but Santa’s the number one drawcard,” she said.

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PREVIEW: Terrapin Puppet Theatre will mark its Hobart Christmas pageant debut on Saturday with the creation of a new member of their puppet family.

The Christmas Puppy is an oversized chihuahua puppet and will be joined by Pa Ubu, pictured, and Ma Ubu at this Saturday’s event.

Terrapin artistic director Sam Routledge said the family represented the “boundless nature of imagination”.

“Terrapin’s always looking to reach as many children and families as possible so to be able to participate in the parade is a great opportunity,” he said.

“Families should expect a really funny and irreverent experience.”

City of Hobart Pageant producer Sybil Edwards. Picture: Linda Higginson

Producer Sybil Edwards said she had tried to secure the group for two years before the City of Hobart commissioned them for pageant – the 42nd in its history.

“It’s always difficult especially on a tight timeline and budget but we do our best,” she said.

“It’s all about making it dynamic, exciting and fun for the kids.”

Joining the Ubu family will be beloved children’s character Bluey, accompanied by four live blue heelers from the Cattle Dog Association.

Despite Bluey tickets selling out within an hour, Ms Edwards assured fans would still be able to get a glimpse of her in the parade, as well as 49 other floats.

“We’ve got marching bands, schools and multicultural groups” from the Punjabi, Colombian and Peruvian societies she said.

Santa and a puppet from Terrapin Theatre ahead of the 2024 Christmas Pageant. Picture: Linda Higginson

“There will be lots of colour and movement and it will be a beautiful day out.”

Tasmania’s JackJumpers will also make their pageant debut.

Ms Edwards said with the city providing free parking and a regular shuttle bus, she expected a high turnout for the day.

“We’ve got some great support form community artists who are amazing and who have gone to a lot of trouble,” she said.

“It’s such a beautiful and magical time of the year for the kids and families of Hobart.”

The pageant starts on the corner of Argyle St and Liverpool St at 10.30am Saturday, then makes its way along Liverpool St, before turning up Harrington St, and then on to Collins St.

Originally published as Bluey, Terrapin Puppets and live blue heelers to steal the show in this year’s Hobart pageant