We’re all expecting Christmas to look a little bit different this year thanks to COVID – the grinch that stole Christmas. But, good news for Adelaideans – there WILL be an Adelaide Christmas Pageant this year.
It will, however, be a little different than previous years.
The show will go on
The National Pharmacies Christmas Pageant (formally known as the Credit Union Christmas Pageant) has been a tradition for 88 years and one that kids absolutely LOVE.
While in the past the event parades through the city streets to thousands and thousands of viewers, this year the Adelaide Christmas Pageant will take place at Adelaide Oval and only to those with a golden ticket.
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,” says 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.”
How it will work
- The Adelaide Christmas Pageant will take place on November 14 for a historic twilight event at the Adelaide Oval.
- The tickets to see the show will be free; however, there will only be 25,000 tickets available.
- There will be a ballot to decide who gets the golden tickets. Officials are still working out the logistics of this.
What to expect
Singing, dancing, possibly a celebrity MC. Plus, a parade of floats to impress the whole family! The floats will enter via the northern gate and lap around the oval twice before exiting.
This year, there will also be a special acknowledgement of front-line workers, first responders and recognition of the South Australians who fended off our bushfires earlier in the year.
Live for all to see
For the first time in its history, the National Pharmacies Christmas Pageant will also broadcast the spectacular twilight event live on Channel Nine so everyone can enjoy it.
After all, 25,000 golden tickets mean a lot of families will miss out this year.
Pageant director Brian Gilbertson added that families at home will be encouraged to watch the event and join in the activities including using chalk in the driveway and painting their own blue honour line.
COVID-safe and full of festive fun!
The reason behind the change of venue is, of course, COVID. But it’s great to know that this event won’t be cancelled entirely like the majority of other events in 2020.
While details on the sitting arrangements and so forth are still being nutted out, the Adelaide Christmas Pageant of 2020 promises to be COVID-safe for all.
What to read next
Christmas really is just around the corner – check out some of our recent Christmas stories:
