With just one month until curtain up, preparations are in full swing for what promises to be one of Scotland's most spectacular cultural celebrations of 2025. 125 Live!, taking place on Saturday 6 and Sunday 7 September, will transform Perth's Mill Street into an extraordinary outdoor theatre celebrating 125 years of entertainment in the historic city.
The anniversary street party, marking Perth Theatre's 125th anniversary and Perth Concert Hall's 20th birthday, has secured one of Scotland's hottest musical exports as its headline act. Walt Disco, the Glasgow glam-pop sensation whose debut album earned Scottish Album of the Year and AIM Independent Album of the Year nominations, will lead a stellar line-up that showcases the full spectrum of Scottish musical talent.
In 2025, Walt Disco embarked on their biggest tour yet, with over 30 dates across the US supporting Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark, making their Perth debut all the more significant. The six-piece band, which includes three Perth-raised members, has performed at Glastonbury, Latitude, Austin City Limits, and SXSW festivals, and opened for iconic acts including Simple Minds, Duran Duran, and Primal Scream.
Conceived and produced by Christopher Glasgow, 125 Live! will unfold in an ambitious immersive format designed in part by Cathie Boyd, who created Sound to Sea as part of the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games. Unlike traditional festivals, 125 Live! presents a sequential performance across three live stages stretching from Perth Concert Hall Plaza to Perth Theatre Courtyard.
The show will open with a spectacular Highland welcome as members of Perth & District Pipe Band, led by Pipe Major Alistair M Duthie, perform from the Perth Concert Hall roof. Pipe Major Duthie brings exceptional credentials to this opening moment, having served with the Black Watch, making this rooftop performance a memorable start to the celebration.
The carefully choreographed show will feature:
• Skye trad and electronic duo Valtos -- making their Perth debut with their unique blend of traditional and electronic music;
• Perth indie band Parliamo -- the acclaimed local group praised by Clash Magazine, BBC Radio 1, and 6 Music;
• Ross Ainslie & The Sanctuary Band -- the dynamic Perthshire piper who was part of the Perth Concert Hall opening 20 years ago;
• Jack David -- Scottish DJ, producer and songwriter who has amassed over 200 million streams making his Scottish debut;
• Musical theatre stars Hannah Howie & Matthew Tomlinson alongside students from Perth UHI Perth Musical Theatre course;
• That Swing Sensation -- Scottish swing and big band.
The evening will be enhanced by dramatic projections from Catalonian visual artist Alba Corral, creating her first outdoor work in the UK, having previously performed at Tramway as part of Sonica Glasgow, and a dazzling light show by award-winning designer Will Potts, whose credits include work with Disclosure, Sam Smith, and major broadcast events.
Christopher Glasgow, Director of Perth Theatre and Concert Hall, emphasised the event's accessibility:
"We've deliberately kept ticket prices low with a maximum adult price of £20, so that the event is accessible to as many people as possible. Our Ticket Bank with Perth Citizens Advice Bureau also gives audiences the option to buy tickets for those whose financial circumstances may not otherwise allow them to attend."
Christopher added: "What's particularly exciting about this lineup is how it showcases the incredible talent that continues to emerge from Perth and the surrounding area. We have a wonderful mix - from big names like Walt Disco, who despite their international success have never actually performed on their hometown stage, to artists like Ross Ainslie who played at the opening of Perth Concert Hall 20 years ago and performs regularly in the venues. It's a testament to the creative spirit of this city that we can fill three stages with such diverse, world-class talent with many having roots right here in Perth."
The celebration extends beyond the evening performances with a comprehensive programme of free daytime activities for families, including:
• Drop-in workshops and activities;
• Gig On A Truck performances sponsored by St Johnstone FC;
• La Petita Malumaluga’s Beatles for Babies interactive shows for 0-3 year olds;
• Specially selected performances throughout the day.
The event represents the culmination of a milestone year for Perth's cultural institutions. Perth Theatre and Concert Hall, located within 90 minutes' travel of 90% of Scotland's population, serve as a crucial lynchpin in the country's arts infrastructure. The venues are supported by Creative Scotland, Perth & Kinross Council, and The Gannochy Trust.
Mill Street will come alive with food stalls, bars, and a festival atmosphere in the heart of Perth, with the show culminating in a spectacular audiovisual display. The unique outdoor setting will see the surrounding buildings animated with Alba Corral’s live projection mapping and Will Potts’ light displays, creating an immersive experience that celebrates both the venues' rich history and their exciting future.
125 Live! specifically showcases the wide spectrum of art forms that audiences have enjoyed throughout 125 years of entertainment in Perth, from classical and contemporary music to musical theatre, traditional Scottish music, and community performances. The event stands as testament to the enduring importance of live performance in Scottish cultural life.
Hannah Howie, one of the musical theatre headliners, captured the significance:
"What a privilege to celebrate this iconic space here in the heart of Scotland with the very best of all things musical, theatrical and joyful; roll on the next 125."
Click here for info and tickets.
Wednesday 6 August 2025
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