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Perth city centre will be transformed into a family-friendly “fan zone” next week to celebrate The 2014 Ryder Cup.
From Wednesday 24 to Sunday 28 September, an array of free golf-themed events and activities will take place, accompanied by a programme of performances at Perth Concert Hall.
Provost Liz Grant, Perth & Kinross, said: “I’m delighted that the spirit of The 2014 Ryder Cup will spread to the streets of Perth city centre. I’m sure that these fun activities and events will encourage residents and visitors to spend time in the area and to enjoy what is sure to be a momentous week for Perth and Kinross.”
A Big Screen, erected at Perth Concert Hall Plaza, will broadcast the action live from The 2014 Ryder Cup at Gleneagles. Food and drink will be available from Perth Concert Hall for those taking advantage of this dedicated entertainment area.
Two sets of Perthshire-themed, 9-hole mini golf and a series of inflatable golf challenges, such as target hitting, will amuse people of all ages and golfing abilities. While a fun piece of pavement art will create the illusion of a 3D golf hole set above a treacherous rocky canyon.
Spreading Ryder Cup excitement around Perth city centre, six large photo backdrops will be installed. The backdrops will show iconic locations from the Ryder Cup course – the PGA Centenary Course at Gleneagles – and of The Gleneagles Hotel, as well as historic photos of hickory golfers. Everyone is invited to share their selfie photo – or “golfie” – while posing in front of the backdrops by using the hashtag #WelcomeRyderCup.
Those wanting to experience a PGA-level golf course for free can try their hand at The Twenty Ten Course from Celtic Manor – venue of The 2010 Ryder Cup – thanks to a golf simulator that will be located inside the entrance to Perth Concert Hall from Friday to Sunday.
Golf-themed entertainment will continue into the evenings during Ryder Cup week with free cinema showings at Perth Playhouse. The 1980s sports comedy Caddyshack will be shown on Friday 26 September at 8pm and the biographical film Seve will be shown on Saturday 27 September at 8pm. Free tickets are available in advance of each screening from Perth Playhouse.
Ken Creelman, Cinema Development Manager, Perth Playhouse, said: “Perth Playhouse is keen to join in on the excitement for golf in the Perthshire area. We dug into the rich history of golf feature films to find a classic comedy, Caddyshack, and the highly acclaimed and recently released documentary, Seve, to play on the big screen, free of charge, for the enthusiast who wants to enjoy an evening at the cinema. The films will play on consecutive evenings and we think this is a great addition to Perth City’s celebrations.”
Meanwhile at Perth Concert Hall the renowned television golf commentator Peter Alliss will recount tales from his long career on Wednesday 24 September at 7.30pm while music concerts from The Red Hot Chilli Pipers (Friday 26, 8pm), The Springsteen Sessions (Saturday 27, 8pm) and Big Country (Sunday 28, 8pm) are sure to raise the roof of the Concert Hall. Tickets can be booked from Perth Concert Hall at www.horsecross.co.uk.
Andy Shearer, Creative Director for contemporary music for Horsecross Arts, said: “We’ve been trying to bring all three acts to Perth for some time now and when Perth & Kinross Council asked us to look at putting some shows on over the Ryder Cup weekend, it seemed like the ideal opportunity to make it happen – and luckily all three were available and delighted to come and play. We’re confident the bands will attract a strong local audience and we aim to entice Ryder Cup visitors to the Concert Hall for some great live music. It’s also a great showcase for some of our fantastic local talent and we’ve got 3 great acts with local connections to open each show – Mad Ferret, The New Madrids and The Holy Ghosts.”
Across the region, many businesses have taken advantage of the toolkit of free Ryder Cup publicity materials provided by Perth & Kinross Council. Those in Perth city centre will enjoy the many eye-catching window displays that celebrate the prestigious golf tournament’s imminent arrival. The Council ran a window-dressing competition for local businesses in recent weeks and on Sunday 14 September, Provost Liz Grant announced that Marian’s of Perth was the winner.
To find out more about these golf events and activities, visit www.pkc.gov.uk/rydercup.
