The esteemed actor Ewan McGregor, renowned globally for his diverse roles, has enthusiastically voiced his support for the upcoming Perform in Perth festival. The Perthshire native, who spent his formative years in Crieff, is backing the annual musical showcase as it opens entries for its 2026 edition, sparking excitement across the local community.
McGregor, now 54, shared a heartfelt video message, reminiscing about his own early experiences with the festival. He disclosed that he once participated in Perform in Perth as a young musician, playing the French horn. This foundational musical background, he noted, later proved invaluable for his celebrated performance in a film about a colliery brass band, where he played a key role. His personal anecdote underscores the deep, often lifelong, impact such local cultural events can have on individuals, nurturing talent that can reach international stages.
In his message, McGregor extended warm wishes to all aspiring performers and expressed a personal interest in the forthcoming concerts. Many years ago, I played my French horn in a concert series in Perth called Perform in Perth, he recounted. It’s still running to this day and I believe they’re just about to announce their 2026 season of concerts. I wanted to wish my very best to all the people who are going to perform and look forward to seeing some of the concerts myself. Discover your potential in perform for Perth. This powerful endorsement from a local hero resonates strongly within the Perth and Kinross community, highlighting the festival’s enduring legacy and its role in shaping artistic journeys. A Lifelong Connection to Local Music
McGregor’s commitment to his musical roots was further illuminated during a recent appearance on a popular national talk show. He shared that his choice to learn the French horn stemmed from its availability at Morrison’s Academy in Crieff, reflecting how everyday opportunities in local institutions can ignite passions. My brother played trumpet and the school had a horn and I think that’s why (I played it), McGregor explained. I’ve always done stuff that’s awkward, that’s difficult. I still have one, and I still blow it now and again. His continued affection for the instrument, decades after his festival debut, serves as a testament to the formative power of local arts education and performance platforms. These grassroots experiences are crucial for developing the next generation of performers, giving them the confidence and skills needed to pursue their dreams, whether locally or on a broader stage. For many in Perth and Kinross, the festival is not just an event but a rite of passage, a place where budding talents first experience the thrill of performing for an audience. Fostering Local Talent and Community Spirit
The Perform in Perth festival has long been a cornerstone of Perthshire’s cultural calendar, providing a vital platform for musicians, singers, and actors of all ages to hone their skills, gain performance experience, and receive expert feedback. For young people across the region, from the bustling streets of Perth to the quieter towns of Kinross and Crieff, it offers an unparalleled opportunity to engage with the arts in a supportive and encouraging environment. The festival not only celebrates existing talent but also inspires new generations to explore their creative potential. It creates a vibrant cultural exchange, where participants can learn from each other and from seasoned professionals, contributing to a rich tapestry of local artistic expression. The communal aspect of the festival, bringing together families, schools, and local groups, strengthens community bonds and fosters a shared appreciation for the performing arts.
The 2026 festival syllabus was officially released on Monday, signaling the start of preparations for the eagerly anticipated event. Performances are scheduled to take place between March 9 and March 21, promising a vibrant period of artistic expression in the heart of Perth. Beyond McGregor’s stellar backing, the festival also enjoys the support of other prominent Scottish cultural figures, including actor Colin McCredie and celebrated actor Alan Cumming, who currently serves as the artistic director at Pitlochry Festival Theatre, further elevating its profile. These endorsements from well-known personalities draw additional attention to the festival, encouraging broader participation and attendance from both within and outside the region.
Kenneth Maciver, the President of Perform in Perth, articulated the profound aspirations for the forthcoming festival, emphasizing the collective spirit driving its success. With the support of our alumni and friends, 2026 is set to be our biggest and most inspiring festival yet, he stated. His vision highlights the importance of community engagement and the collaborative effort required to stage such a significant cultural event, reinforcing its status as a jewel in Perthshire’s cultural crown. The festival’s commitment to nurturing artistic growth and providing accessible platforms for performance ensures that Perth and Kinross continues to be a fertile ground for creativity. The event also brings significant cultural tourism to the area, boosting local businesses and showcasing Perthshire’s unique charm and hospitality.
The Perform in Perth festival continues to be a beacon for arts and culture in the region, offering invaluable experiences for participants and enriching the lives of audiences. The sustained support from local figures and international stars like Ewan McGregor ensures its legacy will continue for many years to come, inspiring countless future artists from Perth and Kinross.
McGregor, now 54, shared a heartfelt video message, reminiscing about his own early experiences with the festival. He disclosed that he once participated in Perform in Perth as a young musician, playing the French horn. This foundational musical background, he noted, later proved invaluable for his celebrated performance in a film about a colliery brass band, where he played a key role. His personal anecdote underscores the deep, often lifelong, impact such local cultural events can have on individuals, nurturing talent that can reach international stages.
In his message, McGregor extended warm wishes to all aspiring performers and expressed a personal interest in the forthcoming concerts. Many years ago, I played my French horn in a concert series in Perth called Perform in Perth, he recounted. It’s still running to this day and I believe they’re just about to announce their 2026 season of concerts. I wanted to wish my very best to all the people who are going to perform and look forward to seeing some of the concerts myself. Discover your potential in perform for Perth. This powerful endorsement from a local hero resonates strongly within the Perth and Kinross community, highlighting the festival’s enduring legacy and its role in shaping artistic journeys. A Lifelong Connection to Local Music
McGregor’s commitment to his musical roots was further illuminated during a recent appearance on a popular national talk show. He shared that his choice to learn the French horn stemmed from its availability at Morrison’s Academy in Crieff, reflecting how everyday opportunities in local institutions can ignite passions. My brother played trumpet and the school had a horn and I think that’s why (I played it), McGregor explained. I’ve always done stuff that’s awkward, that’s difficult. I still have one, and I still blow it now and again. His continued affection for the instrument, decades after his festival debut, serves as a testament to the formative power of local arts education and performance platforms. These grassroots experiences are crucial for developing the next generation of performers, giving them the confidence and skills needed to pursue their dreams, whether locally or on a broader stage. For many in Perth and Kinross, the festival is not just an event but a rite of passage, a place where budding talents first experience the thrill of performing for an audience. Fostering Local Talent and Community Spirit
The Perform in Perth festival has long been a cornerstone of Perthshire’s cultural calendar, providing a vital platform for musicians, singers, and actors of all ages to hone their skills, gain performance experience, and receive expert feedback. For young people across the region, from the bustling streets of Perth to the quieter towns of Kinross and Crieff, it offers an unparalleled opportunity to engage with the arts in a supportive and encouraging environment. The festival not only celebrates existing talent but also inspires new generations to explore their creative potential. It creates a vibrant cultural exchange, where participants can learn from each other and from seasoned professionals, contributing to a rich tapestry of local artistic expression. The communal aspect of the festival, bringing together families, schools, and local groups, strengthens community bonds and fosters a shared appreciation for the performing arts.
The 2026 festival syllabus was officially released on Monday, signaling the start of preparations for the eagerly anticipated event. Performances are scheduled to take place between March 9 and March 21, promising a vibrant period of artistic expression in the heart of Perth. Beyond McGregor’s stellar backing, the festival also enjoys the support of other prominent Scottish cultural figures, including actor Colin McCredie and celebrated actor Alan Cumming, who currently serves as the artistic director at Pitlochry Festival Theatre, further elevating its profile. These endorsements from well-known personalities draw additional attention to the festival, encouraging broader participation and attendance from both within and outside the region.
Kenneth Maciver, the President of Perform in Perth, articulated the profound aspirations for the forthcoming festival, emphasizing the collective spirit driving its success. With the support of our alumni and friends, 2026 is set to be our biggest and most inspiring festival yet, he stated. His vision highlights the importance of community engagement and the collaborative effort required to stage such a significant cultural event, reinforcing its status as a jewel in Perthshire’s cultural crown. The festival’s commitment to nurturing artistic growth and providing accessible platforms for performance ensures that Perth and Kinross continues to be a fertile ground for creativity. The event also brings significant cultural tourism to the area, boosting local businesses and showcasing Perthshire’s unique charm and hospitality.
The Perform in Perth festival continues to be a beacon for arts and culture in the region, offering invaluable experiences for participants and enriching the lives of audiences. The sustained support from local figures and international stars like Ewan McGregor ensures its legacy will continue for many years to come, inspiring countless future artists from Perth and Kinross.