Peterhead Scottish Week, the biggest and longest running weeklong gala in the country is back for the 64th edition, from Saturday 18th July to Sunday 26th July. This year the committee have been hard at work putting together a packed programme with over 60 events for the nine day festival.
The official programme guide will be on sale shortly but you can expect firm favourites like the ASCO Carnival Parade, the Masson Glennie Picnic in the Park, the Dog Show, Just Dance Concert, Baby Show, Strictly Come Duncin’ to name but a few.
However, this year sees the welcome return of the Cream Tea dance, the raft Race, the Cat Show, the Bay Swim Challenge and Live on the Links; a huge community concert in the heart of Peterhead. More details on this will be announced shortly as well as tickets for the events, through our official channel Eventbrite.
Peterhead was one of ten towns/cities across Scotland that established a ‘Scottish Week’ in 1962 to promote local business, encourage tourism and provide a programme of entertainment. Since then, many places gave up the ghost but Peterhead is the only original one and grew in tremendous size, now spreading over nine days. Stranraer and Forres also have aa ‘Scottish Week’, but whilst Stranrae’s has been revived, and Forres hosts its event every third or fourth year, it is Peterhead that has kept going since day one.
The programme guide is viewed by an estimated 12,000 people across Peterhead area. This year sees the biggest programme produced, surpassing that of 2011 when ‘Scottish Week’ had its 50th event.
The week continues largely due to public donations, business sponsorship and revenue generated from advertising in the programme guide. Each year, the committee plan out (as best they can) a week that keeps old favourites but try to reintroduce classic events or attempt something new.
Last year saw the first Drone Light Show (on a mass scale) in Aberdeenshrie (not even Aberdeen can boast that claim). Thousands attended as the team behind the drones tapped in to Peterhead’s and Scottish Week’s history – using imagery of fishing/anchors, dogs for the dog show and a red arrows jet (sadly despite applying for the return of the RAF Red Arrows, the team were unsuccessful in securing them).
Still, over 60 events this year and included in the programme is ever popular (for all ages) “Lucky Number” for the Window Spotting Competition. Over 150 local shops display a winning number but its not necessary that the programme you purchase is a winner. So, best of luck to everyone that goes on the hunt for the number.
Peterhead Scottish Week is seen as Peterhead’s highlight of the summer period with thousand ascending in the ‘Bloo Toon’, boosting trade and seeing increase footfall in the town centre. This year marks 25 years of the Artists’ Challenge, the 20th occasion that Peterhead Football Club hosts it’s own “Scottish Week Challenge Trophy” where the home team play Kilmarnock F.C., and the very first ‘Scottish Week’ event from 1962 – the Sunday Service marks its 10th year since being homed at the New Parish Church.
A full listing of this year’s events is now on the website with the full programme due on sale on Monday 13th July.
Remember, its a week of family fun – and your summer starts here!