Perform in Perth thrilled to receive Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service

dailyrecord.co.uk:

Perform in Perth - Perthshire Musical (Competition) Festival Association is “thrilled” to have been awarded The Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service.This is the highest award a local voluntary group can receive in the UK and is equivalent to an MBE.Perform in Perth volunteers, both past and present, gathered at the Royal George Hotel to celebrate the honour which has been bestowed on them as part of the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee.The Perthshire-based charity is one of 244 local charities, social enterprises and voluntary groups to receive the prestigious award this year.In contrast to the medals, cups, quaichs and trophies handed out during the festival each year, the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service (QAVS) is not for singing or dancing.Instead it is for the festival volunteers who give their time to work behind the scenes as selectors, stewards, programme sellers or fundraising and promoting the event.Festival secretary Eileen Waterston said: “Our volunteers are thrilled to have been recognised for their work.

It is a particular honour in the Platinum Jubilee year.”She continued: “In March each year, during the 12 days of competition, our volunteers are on the front line.

But the work continues throughout the year planning the syllabus, processing entries, arranging the programme and planning for the use of multiple venues.

As many as 2800 performers take part each year.”The festival recently celebrated 100 years since its foundation – but will not be celebrating the actual 100th festival until 2024 due to there being no festival in the war years 1940-1943.“Volunteering is at the heart of all that we do,” said Mrs Waterston.“The festival was founded at the inspiration of the Duchess of Atholl who, in 1920, drew together