For over half a century, the streets of Perth have transformed each December into a glittering river of festive joy and controlled chaos. The Alinta Energy Christmas Pageant, presented by Channel 7, once again captivated the city, drawing crowds estimated between 100,000 and 300,000 people this year.
A Legacy of Community and Unscripted Moments
This iconic event, a staple since 1972, is part of Channel 7's deep commitment to Western Australian community gatherings. From Telethon to the Chevron City to Surf, the broadcaster has a history of bringing people together, often with spectacular and unpredictable results. The pageant is a dazzling showcase featuring elaborate floats, roving performers, marching bands, energetic Chinese drummers, local dance troupes, and hundreds of children dressed as Santa, elves, and other festive characters.
Veteran broadcaster Adrian Barich has witnessed this magic firsthand for 30 years, taking on roles that have provided a unique view from within the parade. His experiences highlight a simple truth about the Perth event: no two years are ever the same, and the potential for glorious mishap is always present.
Memorable Mishaps and Costume Changes
Barich's tenure began with a regal yet precarious role as one of the Three Wise Men atop a camel. The majesty was short-lived when one camel decided to leave an unwelcome "gift" directly in front of the VIP area. The incident left children shrieking, parents gasping, and a young Reece Whitby – now a State minister – facing a challenge diplomacy hadn't prepared him for. Sunrise host Matt Tinney could only look on in horror.
Later, Barich graduated to the villainous Captain Hook, pursuing Rory Campbell's Peter Pan through the streets. While Campbell famously yelled "Off to Netherland!" before correcting himself to "Neverland," Barich's threats against the boy who wouldn't grow up delighted the young crowd. Another year, a role as an RAC repairman backfired humorously when his massive yellow breakdown truck itself broke down, blocking a city intersection for over half an hour. The crowd adored the ironic spectacle, even if organisers were less amused.
The Heart of the Pageant: Volunteers and Unseen Magic
The event's spirit is powered by hundreds of volunteers, including Channel 7 staff who embrace the chaos. Who could forget Anna Hay and Amber Johnston trapped inside a steaming, life-sized snow cone, scrawling "HELP US" on the fogged-up plastic? Or Tim McMillan dazzling as a Mad Hatter-Doc Brown hybrid, and the simple joy of ET cruising by on a BMX bike?
The pageant found its perfect rhythm when it moved to a nighttime timeslot. Under the cover of darkness, the illusion holds strong; children don't see Adrian Barich in a wig, they see Captain Hook. They don't see a broken float, they see an adventure. For 53 years, through every rogue camel, lost moustache, and logistical hiccup, the Alinta Energy Christmas Pageant has proven one enduring fact for Perth: at Christmas, chaos is mandatory and magic is inevitable.
