Bells Ring Out Across Perth for the St John’s Kirk Carillon Festival
Five Days of Free Outdoor Recitals – 23–27 June 2025
Perth, Scotland – St John’s Kirk will come alive with the resonant and uplifting sound of bell music this June, as it hosts a Carillon Festival from Monday 23 to Friday 27 June 2025. Featuring two free daily recitals at 12 noon and 2pm, the festival invites audiences to enjoy Scotland’s finest carillon played by leading musicians from across the UK.
With the bells best enjoyed from outdoors, visitors are encouraged to relax in the city centre, explore Perth’s many nearby cafés and restaurants, and let themselves be serenaded by a musical tradition that spans centuries and continents.
An Exceptional Line-Up of Talent
The festival brings together a distinguished group of performers, including:
- Caroline Sharpe (Loughborough): An acclaimed carillonneur and singer presenting a vocal-inspired repertoire.
- Tom Moyes & Richard Laing (Falkirk): A musical duo specialising in hymns and Scottish Psalms.
- Trevor Workman (Bournville): One of the UK’s best-known carillon performers.
- Ian Cassells (Perth): Resident carillonneur of St John’s Kirk for over 30 years.
- Jonathan Bradley (Newcastle): A composer-performer known for dynamic and original carillon music.
- Ruth Irons (Dundee): Performing music rooted in her city’s unique heritage.
- Michael Boyd (Saltley): An international carillonist delivering a powerful festival finale.
Programme Highlights
- Monday 23 June: Caroline Sharpe opens the festival with “Bells in Song”, followed by Moyes & Laing’s “Hymns and Psalms.”
- Tuesday 24 June: Trevor Workman offers “A Treasury of Classics”, and Ian Cassells explores “Music of Denmark.”
- Wednesday 25 June: Jonathan Bradley presents “Carillon Memories” – a two-part recital tracing music from the Baroque to the modern day.
- Thursday 26 June: Ruth Irons shares “Melodies from Dundee” and Ian Cassells returns with “Perthshire Echoes.”
- Friday 27 June: Michael Boyd delivers a stirring “Grand Finale” at both noon and 2pm, featuring European works and tributes to St John’s past carillonneurs.
Scotland’s Finest Carillon
The carillon at St John’s Kirk, comprising 35 bells cast by Gillett & Johnston, is among only a handful in Scotland. Installed in the 1930s, it remains a powerful symbol of the city’s cultural life. Housed in the historic tower of Perth’s oldest church, the instrument boasts a rich and expressive tone that lends itself to both classical and contemporary compositions.
Organisers and Thanks
The Carillon Festival has been organised by Dr Ian Cassells, and the carillon is grateful for the ongoing generous support of the Friends of St John’s Kirk of Perth and Perth and Kinross Council.
This summer, let Perth ring with music, history, and celebration. Whether you’re a carillon enthusiast or a curious newcomer, this is a unique opportunity to hear one of Scotland’s great hidden musical treasures.
For more information:
Email: info@friendsofstjohnskirkperth.org.uk
Visit: www.friendsofstjohnskirkperth.org.uk
ENDS