National Pharmacies Christmas Pageant to go on in 2020!

For 88 years the National Pharmacies Christmas Pageant has welcomed Father Christmas to South Australia.

In a historical first, one of South Australia’s most treasured events will host a twilight parade at Adelaide Oval, to a COVID-safe crowd and broadcast exclusively in South Australia on Nine and 9Now. It will remain a free event and ticketing will be allocated through a fair ballot system, with more information on ticketing to be announced in October.

The challenges of COVID-19 have changed the parade location and design for the safety and wellbeing of the South Australian community.

“The last time we had a change of this significance to the Pageant was during the Second World War when it was cancelled for four years,” said South Australian Tourism Commission Pageant Director, Brian Gilbertson.

“In 2020, COVID-19 has seen us adjust our traditional Pageant format and route, but with the support of National Pharmacies we are beyond excited to deliver this magical event to the magnificent Adelaide Oval and create new history for our Pageant story.”

This year, most South Australians will celebrate the National Pharmacies Christmas Pageant with their families, in the comfort of their homes.  The National Pharmacies Christmas Pageant will bring the community together online with activities, stories and interaction across social media platforms and through the live broadcast on Channel Nine.

“The tradition of the Pageant will continue in 2020, and although it might look a little different this year, what it means to our community remains the same,” said Vito Borrello, Chief Executive Officer, National Pharmacies.

The Pageant at Adelaide Oval will be reminiscent of an opening ceremony with all the beloved floats, Pageant characters, dancers and bands making an appearance for the spectacle.  This year, there will also be a special acknowledgement of front-line workers, first responders and recognition of the South Australians who were impacted by bushfires earlier in the year.

“Broadcasting the Pageant from Adelaide Oval for the first time is exciting and a privilege for us to be a part of,” said Sean O’Brien, Managing Director of Nine South Australia. 

As South Australians welcome the National Pharmacies Christmas Pageant at home, family and community spirit will embrace the arrival of Father Christmas with new traditions and celebrations, that will mark the start of our festive season.   

More details at christmaspageant.com.au.