Free Activities For Easter

Stitch your response to ‘Damn Rebel Bitches’ with Nikkita Morgan  

This workshop will introduce a selection of hand embroidery techniques. Working as a group you will stitch a word, phrase or image onto a large piece of cloth, creating a collaborative response. Suitable for over 14s. 

Playful Portraits  

In this drawing workshop led by illustrator Laura Darling, you will take inspiration from historical imagery to produce a collection of playful portraits. Suitable for all skill levels, aged 13 and over. 

Character Drawing and Comic Making with Dylan Gibson and Rulzion Rattray    

Inspired by tales of Perthshire’s Jacobite past, create your own comic art featuring Highland warriors.  You will design your own character and create your own comic cover showcasing them in action. Suitable for children, aged 3 to 8, and their families.  

Seaweed Art 

Join Fife artist Cally Nurse to find out how to work creatively with seaweed. The two-hour workshop is about using seaweed as a material for mixed media art. We will make postcard sized artworks using Scottish seaweed and look at identifying fresh samples, learn how best to prepare them - drying, pressing and sealing.  No experience necessary. This workshop is not recommended if you have seafood allergies. Email: [email protected] to book. 

A Flavour of Perthshire 

To celebrate the opening of Perth Museum, and Perth Theatre's production of Casablanca: The Gin Joint Cut, we're raising a glass to all that is great about food and drink in Perthshire! A selection of local suppliers including Allan’s Chilli Products, Pentone Family, John’s Scone Mad, Perth Gin, Simply Flo and Val’s Scottish Tablet Treats will offer tastings and tempting treats to audiences and passers-by. 

Blast from the Past  

As you wander through the city you might notice some ancient characters, ask them where there are from and find out more about their time and what you can find on display in the new museum. 

Fiobha  

Come and enjoy the sounds of Scotland with the brilliant ceilidh band, Fiobha. We strongly encourage dancing. 

James by Bruce Fummey 

Perth’s favourite historian has developed a new piece of work to tell the tale of James I. King, prisoner, tyrant, visionary and murder victim, he was eventually crowned upon the Stone of Destiny in 1424. James I divides opinion even to this day, so this telling of his extraordinary story will be fascinating. A solo show from the brilliant Bruce Fummey, taking time out his UK tour. 

Perth Concert Hall Voices 

The joyous sound of Perth Theatre Voices group will fill the High Street. 

The Unicorn Experience  

In honour of our debut exhibition, we have invited some real unicorns along to join the party. Don't forget to share your photos with us #PerthUnicorn 

Fredrick Douglass by Courtney Stoddart 

Frederick Douglass - emancipated slave, writer, social reformer, and statesman - had several visits to Perth, speaking three times at the City Hall - now Perth Museum - bringing stories of the horror of slavery and hopes for political change to Scotland and challenging people to think in a different way. 

Poet and actor, Courtney Stoddart, performs their newly written piece of poetry to commemorate the man and his important visits to the city as part of the opening celebrations. 

Georgina Ballantine by Neve Renwick 

Georgina Ballantine from Caputh, was a Scottish nurse, registrar and salmon fisher. In 1922, Ballantine landed a 64lb (29kg) salmon on the River Tay, the largest recorded from a British river with rod and line. The cast of the salmon – and Georgina’s story – is a favourite in Perth, but it has never been told in this way before, through a newly commissioned dance piece from Crieff’s Neve Renwick. 

Perthshire Ukeleles 

Playing classic hits, the Perthshire Ukelele group will brighten your Saturday. 

Suffragettes by Perth Festival of the Arts  

A star object in Perth Museum is the National Union of Women’s Suffrage Society Banner, from around 1900, used as part of a protest against the brutal and invasive procedure of ‘force-feeding’ which took place in Perth Prison. 3,000 women marched toward the prison, singing the Robert Burns song ‘Scots Wha Hae’, an unofficial Scottish national anthem often sung as a call to rebellion. 

Perth Museum and Perth Festival of the Arts have collaborated on a commission for a new protest song inspired by the march, with words and music by Debra Salem. The song will be performed for the first time this weekend by Debra and Craigie Choir. 

The Traveller by Jess Smith  

Perth and Kinross is proudly home to the largest population of gypsy travellers in Scotland and the queen of them all, Jess Smith, has spent her life striving to tell their stories to help bring understanding about her people and their way of life. Jess is a master storyteller and it’s a treat to welcome her to Perth. 

Inspire Dancers 

Inspire Dance Studios, a local dance school home to Scottish and world champion dancers take to the stage. 

Quarto Press Workshop  

Try your hand at traditional letter press printing with The Quarto Press. Drop in throughout the day. Suitable for over 12s. 

An Exchange of Words by JD Henshaw  

Perth Town Hall has always been a place to gather, to hear voices sharing disparate opinions, to wrestle with the issues of the time. As Perth Museum takes on that role of giving a voice to our shared history, voices that have echoed in its walls stir once more. Considering the role of Margaret Thatcher in the history of our country, who returned to Perth repeatedly after winning elections throughout the late 70s and 80s, we hear her words and her ardent opponent outside of parliament, Arthur Scargill. Remixing and recontextualising their own words from key early speeches, this dynamic new piece of short theatre is presented by multi-award-winning playwright and director, JD Henshaw, with Sweet Productions. 

Mythical Beasts and Other Creatures   

Pop along to this exciting craft afternoon at Perth Art Gallery and explore the theme of mythical beasts and other creatures. Dragons, unicorns, monsters, and kelpies. What’s your favourite? Suitable for all ages. Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult. 

Fair City Baton Twirlers 

Fair City Baton Twirlers will show off their skills and entertain us all. 

Wild Paint 

Jan Hendry will take workshop participants through the process of making paint from earth pigments from Scotland, as used by our prehistoric ancestors and artists up till the present day. Jan loves improvising with art materials, found materials, discarded objects and stationery. Favourite processes include drawing, painting (and making paint), monoprint, collage and making books. Email [email protected] to book. 

Pitlochry Festival Theatre's Show Choir 

Talented, fun and ready to be centre stage, Pitlochry Festival Theatre’s Show Choir will be a hit of the high street. 

True Gents 

A local folk/pop band with Perth at their heart, the True Gents will bring the fun with their original songs. 

Tarneybackle 

Blackford based duo Tarneybackle have been playing together for over 20 years and produced six albums, they’ll finish off the day one celebrations with a banger or two. 

The Unicorn Experience  

In honour of our debut exhibition, we have invited some real unicorns along to join the party. Don't forget to share your photos with us #PerthUnicorn 

Heraldic Symbols  

Join The Heraldry Society of Scotland and learn all about the symbols in Scottish history. Meet a medieval Royal Hearld Why not have a go at making your own heraldic shield to take home with you. Be sure to share your creations with us. #SymbolsOfPerth Suitable for all ages. Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult. 

Blast from the Past  

As you wander through the city you might notice some ancient characters, ask them where there are from and find out more about their time and what you can find on display in the new museum. 

Dunkeld & Birnam Traditional Youth Music Group  

Newly established in April 2023 for young persons aged P5 - S6, these budding young musicians have been refining skills in playing trad music and members will play a selection of Scottish tunes from the ever-growing repertoire. 

James by Bruce Fummey 

Perth’s favourite historian has developed a new piece of work to tell the tale of James I. King, prisoner, tyrant, visionary and murder victim, he was eventually crowned upon the Stone of Destiny in 1424. James I divides opinion even to this day, so this telling of his extraordinary story will be fascinating. A solo show from the brilliant Bruce Fummey, taking time out his UK tour. 

Fredrick Douglass by Courtney Stoddart  

Frederick Douglass - emancipated slave, writer, social reformer, and statesman - had several visits to Perth, speaking three times at the City Hall - now Perth Museum - bringing stories of the horror of slavery and hopes for political change to Scotland and challenging people to think in a different way. 

Poet and actor, Courtney Stoddart, performs their newly written piece of poetry to commemorate the man and his important visits to the city as part of the opening celebrations. 

Georgina Ballantine by Neve Renwick 

Georgina Ballantine from Caputh, was a Scottish nurse, registrar and salmon fisher. In 1922, Ballantine landed a 64lb (29kg) salmon on the River Tay, the largest recorded from a British river with rod and line. The cast of the salmon – and Georgina’s story – is a favourite in Perth, but it has never been told in this way before, through a newly commissioned dance piece from Crieff’s Neve Renwick. 

Pirrie Performing Arts 

Ready to entertain with musical numbers, Pirrie Performing Arts are joining us for a special performance. 

Weaving Workshop 

Come and try your hand at this drop in event and try your hand at weaving. Did you know that weaving was once a thriving occupation Perthshire? 

Suffragettes by Perth Festival of the Arts 

A star object in Perth Museum is the National Union of Women’s Suffrage Society Banner, from around 1900, used as part of a protest against the brutal and invasive procedure of ‘force-feeding’ which took place in Perth Prison. 3,000 women marched toward the prison, singing the Robert Burns song ‘Scots Wha Hae’, an unofficial Scottish national anthem often sung as a call to rebellion. 

Perth Museum and Perth Festival of the Arts have collaborated on a commission for a new protest song inspired by the march, with words and music by Debra Salem. The song will be performed for the first time this weekend by Debra and Craigie Choir. 

The Traveller by Jess Smith 

Perth and Kinross is proudly home to the largest population of gypsy travellers in Scotland and the queen of them all, Jess Smith, has spent her life striving to tell their stories to help bring understanding about her people and their way of life. Jess is a master storyteller and it’s a treat to welcome her to Perth. 

Perth UHI Performers 

Perth UHI train talented young people to perform at their best – come and see the next generation of superstars. 

An Exchange of Words by JD Henshaw  

Perth Town Hall has always been a place to gather, to hear voices sharing disparate opinions, to wrestle with the issues of the time. As Perth Museum takes on that role of giving a voice to our shared history, voices that have echoed in its walls stir once more. Considering the role of Margaret Thatcher in the history of our country, who returned to Perth repeatedly after winning elections throughout the late 70s and 80s, we hear her words and her ardent opponent outside of parliament, Arthur Scargill. Remixing and recontextualising their own words from key early speeches, this dynamic new piece of short theatre is presented by multi-award-winning playwright and director, JD Henshaw, with Sweet Productions. 

Traditional Step Dancing  

Scottish Step Dancing was almost lost to Scotland after the Clearances, but the brilliant Kinfauns dancers are keeping the tradition alive. 

Beginners Printing on textiles 

Create a printed abstract art wall hanging using paper stencils and simple screen-printing techniques. Aileen has over 25 years’ experience in design, costume making and decorative textiles. Please wear suitable clothing as fabric paint used may stain. Email: [email protected] to book. 

Ad Lib Arts 

Singing their hearts out for us, Ad Lib Arts will take to the stage. 

Perth Strathspey & Reel Society 

It’s time to tap your toe to some traditional Scottish music. 

Tay Ceilidh Band 

Perth born and bred and ready to finish off the celebratory weekend, get your dancing shoes ready for the Tay Ceilidh Band to play us away. 

Amazing Animal Storytime  

Do your little one’s love listening to stories?  Join us in Perth Art Gallery as we take you on a story time adventure featuring some of the animals from the collections. Suitable for children ages 3-5. All children must be accompanied by an adult. 

Mythical Animal Creative Writing Workshop  

Create your own magnificent mythical creature at this fun creative writing workshop with children's author, Lindsay Littleson, author of Guardians of the Wild Unicorns. Suitable for ages 8 and over. 

Light Art  

Hannah and Amanda are hard at work creating a fabulous fluorescent unicorn. Pop along and add your own design to this community art installation which will remain on display in Perth Art Gallery until Sunday 14 April, and help create the backdrop for our Unicorn Dance Party. Suitable for all ages. Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult. 

Light Art  

Hannah and Amanda are hard at work creating a fabulous fluorescent unicorn. Pop along and add your own design to this community art installation which will remain on display in Perth Art Gallery until Sunday 14 April, and help create the backdrop for our Unicorn Dance Party. Suitable for all ages. Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult. 

Mythical Beast ‘Flip Flap’ Book Workshop for Families  

Join illustrator Esther Kent to create colourful imaginary creatures and make your very own 'flip flap' mythical beasts’ mini book to take home. Family workshop for age 6 and over. 

Hairy Highland Coo Trail 2024   

A herd of 30 Highland Cow sculptures designed and painted by talent artists will take over Perth and Kinross, forming a free, 10-week art trail of discovery for local people and visitors of all ages to explore and enjoy. The sculptures are displayed in locations around Perth and Kinross, transforming our community into an open-air gallery that sparks joy in all who visit. Visitors can use a bespoke map and mobile app to help them navigate the trail, discover new places and unlock exciting rewards and discounts provided by sponsors.   

Following a farewell weekend where they will be shown together, the Coo’s will be auctioned at a special event to raise funds for Children’s Hospices Across Scotland (CHAS) to support children with life-shortening conditions and their families.   

To find out more about the Hairy Highland Coo Trail, CHAS and how to get involved please visit: hairyhighlandcootrail.co.uk