02 Nov 2023

National Pharmacies Christmas Pageant line up complete with new Sounds of Christmas float

 

Sounds of Christmas was revealed for the first time today with a teaser performance by Young Adelaide Voices.  

Young Adelaide Voices will feature at the National Pharmacies Christmas Pageant, accompanying the float atop it’s Town Square Christmas set this Saturday 4 November. 

Sounds of Christmas, designed by Pageant artist Dave Clarke, known for his much-loved first creation Izzy the Dinosaur, features a charming Christmas village with the choir singing in its Town Square. 

As the float travels down the 3.5km National Pharmacies Christmas Pageant route, audiences can expect to be entranced by the wonderful scenery as well as the talented live music aboard and the colourful townsfolk surrounding. 

In two sleeps, Young Adelaide Voices choir will be one of three youthful and diverse musical acts featured on floats throughout the parade.  

Welsh born South Australian, Siobhan Owen, will star on ‘Christmas Carousel’, whose five studio albums as a Celtic singer and harpist have gained her international recognition. 

Featuring on ‘Christmas in Toytown’, Pultney Grammar School year 11 singer, Taylor Schwartz will also entertain audiences on Pageant Day, and will deliver the Australian National Anthem at the start of the event.   

Music has always been an essential component to the National Pharmacies Christmas Pageant across its 91-year history, and these musical talents will join 18 bands, and three choirs this weekend.  

In total, 170 moving theatrical sets, more than 20 dance groups and over 300 clowns and elves will make for a joyful return of the National Pharmacies Christmas Pageant in the heart of Adelaide. 

South Australians will enjoy free travel on all Adelaide Metro bus, train and tram services to and from this year’s National Pharmacies Christmas Pageant, as the iconic event celebrates its 91st birthday.

On average, 300,000 people line the city streets for the largest public parade in the southern hemisphere, so attendees are reminded of the following tips:

  • Check out the Pageant route map
  • Use public transport to avoid traffic and road closures.
  • Do not leave any bags or personal items unattended, and report any suspicious items or behaviour to Police, pageant officials or security
  • Arrange a meeting spot in case you are separated from your group
  • Introduce your child to the nearest Police Officer so they know who to go to if they become lost
  • Collect wrist bands for children from police, Rotary Adelaide, and SES volunteers as well as National Pharmacies merchandise sites
  • Take a photo of their child as they appear on the day so a detailed description can be given to police and emergency services if lost
  • Check the weather in advance, dress accordingly and wear sunscreen 

The full list of tips can be found on the National Pharmacies Christmas Pageant website

Minister for Tourism, Zoe Bettison said she was looking forward to the National Pharmacies Christmas Pageant 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,” said Minister Bettison. 

“This event is absolutely cherished by our state, and it is so positive to see South Australians get behind it year after year with their gleaming smiles and cheers.”

Brian Gilbertson, Director of the National Pharmacies Christmas Pageant was proud to showcase Sounds of Christmas and the talented Young Adelaide Voices group. 

“There are so many magical and wonderful moments in our 2023 National Pharmacies Christmas Pageant line-up, but providing a spotlight for musical and vocal talent is one of my favourites,” said Mr Gilbertson. 

“Knowing the quality and abilities of all our musicians, bands, clowns, elves, performers, and dancers, I can say with confidence that those along the blue honour line are in for quite the experience this Saturday.”

Vito Borrello, Chief Executive Officer of National Pharmacies is proud to support the 91st edition of the Pageant. 

“We are excited at National Pharmacies to bring another spectacular and iconic edition of this event to the community and with two sleeps to go, the countdown is well and truly on,” said Mr Borrello. 

“There is so much talent involved in every aspect of this historic event, the people of South Australia are in for a treat. I am thrilled that we can bring so much Christmas cheer to everyone along the streets and watching at home to kick off the festive season.” 

The National Pharmacies Christmas Pageant remains a free, community event. It will be held on Saturday 4 November, from 9:30am at South Terrace and will conclude with the arrival of Father Christmas at Adelaide Town Hall. 

For more information, visit christmaspageant.com.au