With only three sleeps to go until one of South Australia's most cherished events makes its comeback to the streets of Adelaide, details released today will help families plan their National Pharmacies Christmas Pageant day in the city.
In what will be the 90th year for the Pageant, this year sees the event return to its original format as a street parade having been held at Adelaide Oval in 2020 and 2021.
Free public transport and additional services will help more families take part in the southern hemisphere's largest Christmas parade.
National Pharmacies Christmas Pageant organisers will be joined by SA Water today in Victoria Square/Tarntanyangga to remind people what they can expect when the special festive event returns to the city streets this weekend. The final float joining this year's line-up will also be revealed.
With previous street editions of the Christmas Pageant attracting crowds of more than 300,000, organisers will share advice and tips on how to have the most enjoyable and safe family day out. It includes:
- Check out the route map
- Use public transport to avoid traffic and road closures. Additional services will be in place
- Do not leave any bags or personal items unattended. If you see any suspicious items or behaviour, please report it 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
- Police, Rotary Adelaide and SES volunteers as well as National Pharmacy merchandise sites will have wrist bands for children
- Take a photo of your child on your phone - this way a detailed description can be given to police and emergency services if they become lost
The full list of handy tips can be found on the National Pharmacies Christmas Pageant website: www.christmaspageant.com.au/pageant-day/handy-tips.
As the final preparations get underway, Minister for Tourism, Zoe Bettison is encouraging eventgoers to utilise the free public transport which will be available across Adelaide on Saturday 12 November, allowing more families to attend the state's beloved event.
"The National Pharmacies Christmas Pageant is a South Australian treasure that means a great deal to children and families across the state, so it is important we make it as accessible and affordable to attend as possible," said Minister Bettison.
"With this year being a huge landmark for the event, there is no doubt that thousands of people will come together in the heart of our CBD to witness the festive spectacle in all its glory. To make the journey into the city easier, more accessible to all and more sustainable, the State Government is delighted to make public transport free from 6am to 2pm for people traveling to and from the event.
"Not only will this make things simpler for families to get in and out of Adelaide for the Christmas Pageant, but we hope it also encourages them to spend the day in the city afterwards - stopping by a local café for lunch or doing some Christmas shopping.
"I look forward to welcoming the National Pharmacies Christmas Pageant back into our CBD. It sends a great signal to the rest of Australia and indeed the world that major events are back on and better than ever."
Brian Gilbertson, Director of the National Pharmacies Christmas Pageant, shared Minister Bettison's enthusiasm and encouraged people to plan ahead.
"We cannot wait to bring the Christmas Pageant back to the streets this year and celebrate its 90th year," said Mr Gilbertson.
"As with any event of this scale, there are several preparations that we encourage people to consider ahead of the big day, such as how to get to and from the city, what you should bring with you, where to position yourself for the best views, access to public toilets, and what to do if you lose sight of a loved one.
"That's why we have prepared some handy guides which are available on our website. I encourage people to check these out ahead of Saturday to ensure the National Pharmacies Christmas Pageant 2022 is a joyous occasion for all."
Police Commander for the National Pharmacies Christmas Pageant 2022, Chief Inspector Peter Duance is encouraging members of the public to enjoy the Pageant safely.
"The Christmas Pageant traditionally brings in hundreds of thousands of attendees and it can be very easy for young and excited children to get separated from their families or caregivers," said Chief Inspector Duance.
"I would encourage everyone to be extra vigilant and to agree on a meeting place in the unfortunate event that family members lose each other."
To assist in identifying children and vulnerable adults SAPOL will have wristbands available. The wristbands are proudly supported by Neighbourhood Watch SA and provide a space where vital information about the wearer such as a phone number, medical advice, languages spoken, or details of any vulnerabilities can be noted, allowing an assisting person to provide relevant and immediate support if the wearer finds themselves lost or in need of help.
"The wristbands are available from your local police station (prior to attending the Christmas Pageant) or from any police officer, State Emergency Service, at crossovers or other pageant volunteers you see walking along the street parade. If you don't have a wrist band, you can write your mobile number on your child's wrist," added Chief Inspector Duance.
