The countdown to the 2020 National Pharmacies Christmas Pageant begins!
The National Pharmacies Christmas Pageant will go on in 2020!
While the National Pharmacies Christmas Pageant traditionally sees over 300,000 South Australian families and children line the streets of Adelaide behind the blue honour line, the current situation with the COVID-19 pandemic means that this year, things will be a little different.
The team at Events South Australia have been working closely with SA Health, the South Australian Police and our wonderful naming rights partner National Pharmacies to make sure Father Christmas can be delivered to the children of South Australia as safely as possible.
We’re excited to announce that for the first time in Pageant history, the 88th National Pharmacies Christmas Pageant will be a twilight event held at Adelaide Oval on Saturday the 14th of November.
A COVID-safe crowd will watch the performance at Adelaide Oval, whilst the National Pharmacies Christmas Pageant will be broadcast live on Channel Nine to thousands of homes and to communities around South Australia. To the families who are watching from the comfort of their own home, the National Pharmacies Christmas Pageant will aim to bring the community together across social media platforms through interactive activities and through the live broadcast on Channel Nine.
With the National Pharmacies Christmas Pageant traditionally signifying the start of the festive season, Premier Steven Marshall shares the excitement in bringing the popular event once again to South Australian families.
“We’re grateful for the efforts of South Australians in the fight against the global Coronavirus pandemic – which has put our state in a world-leading position”, said Premier Steven Marshall.
“This year’s Pageant – which is such a wonderful Christmas tradition for the state - will be even more special for families – after what has been a really tough year for everyone.”
Event Manager and Creative Director Brian Gilbertson says “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.”
Mr Gilbertson says, “One of the reasons we can deliver the Pageant in this way, in this year, is because of the diligence shown by all South Australians in maintaining good social distancing, hygiene and sanitisation”.
“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,” says Vito Borrello, Chief Executive Officer, National Pharmacies.
The National Pharmacies Christmas Pageant 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.
To be the first to hear about ticketing, subscribe to our newsletter here.
“The legacy of the Pageant hasn’t changed. It is about celebrating the joy of family, of community and welcoming Father Christmas to Adelaide,” says Mr Gilbertson.
“We will all celebrate the National Pharmacies Christmas Pageant this year and remain united as families and communities in welcoming Father Christmas to South Australia.”
Follow us on Facebook and Instagram to keep up with event updates.