For a second year running, the National Pharmacies Christmas Pageant will be held at Adelaide Oval on Saturday 13 November with gates opening at 5:00pm.
Police will be monitoring crowds and are encouraging attendees to have fun, report any suspicious behaviour and to be vigilant with personal belongings which can easily be missed during the hype of an event.
With 35,000 people expected to attend the National Pharmacies Christmas Pageant at Adelaide Oval tomorrow night, members of the public are being urged to be careful on the roads, to look out for young children and to take care of themselves and others.
SAPOL is encouraging caregivers and parents to collect and use safety and assistance wristbands which can be placed on children or vulnerable people.
The wristbands, developed by SA Police and proudly supported by Neighbourhood Watch SA, provide a space where vital information about the wearer such as a phone number, medical advice, languages spoken, or details of any vulnerabilities can be noted, allowing an assisting person to provide relevant and immediate support if the wearer finds themselves lost or in need of help.
Produced for all members of the community – ages, abilities, and genders – the free wristbands can be collected from the security gates or from any police officer at the event. Don’t forget to bring a pen with you – as they won’t be available at Adelaide Oval.
Additionally, SAPOL recommends that parents and caregivers take photographs of their children or other vulnerable people which can help with reuniting lost children and others with their families and carers should they become lost.
Another fantastic element of the National Pharmacies Christmas Pageant will be the feature of the South Australia Police Band who will march in the parade led by SAPOL’s Blue Light car. The deployment of SAPOL staff to COVID-19 duties meant that the SAPOL Band were unable to take part in the Christmas Pageant in 2020 so their appearance at this year’s event is all the more special and fitting with the festive celebrations.
Officer in Charge, Eastern District and Police Commander for the Christmas Pageant, Superintendent Matt Nairn wants families to enjoy the celebrations that tomorrow night will offer.
“SAPOL was pleased with the behaviour of attendees at the 2020 National Pharmacies Christmas Pageant and is keen to see this again at tomorrow night’s event. With a very large crowd expected, I remind attendees that it is important that they keep themselves and those around them safe. Stick together, look out for each other and please don’t feel afraid to approach any of the Police Officers who will be roving through the crowds should you feel the need to report something or feel concerned.”
Supt Nairn also said that the National Pharmacies Christmas Pageant has an approved COVID-19 Management Plan, and it is important that attendees adhere to good COVID-19 safe practices.
“Good hygiene and physical distancing is vital. Arrive early to avoid getting caught up in large crowds and to find your seat with ease. Please remain in your allocated seats unless entering and exiting the venue or buying refreshments and don’t forget to bring your own hand sanitiser and to use the QR code check in on arrival. Patrons 12 years and older are also reminded that they must wear a mask when inside Adelaide Oval, so please don’t forget to bring one with you”, said Supt Nairn.
Police also remind members of the public that the two best viewing spots for the National Pharmacies Christmas Pageant are either with a ticket at the Adelaide Oval or at home watching the live broadcast. Congregating outside the venue in hopes of hearing or seeing the National Pharmacies Christmas Pageant will only leave people feeling disappointed.
Whilst ticket holders are able to catch free public transport to and from the National Pharmacies Christmas Pageant at Adelaide Oval, those driving into the city should be prepared for some delays with Pennington Terrace and War Memorial Drive between King William Road and Montefiore Road being closed as well as speed and lane restrictions surrounding Adelaide Oval. All road users should be extra vigilant and plan ahead to avoid rushing and getting frustrated which could ruin a good night.
