Experience Crieff: From Foundations to Festivals

How 2025 set the stage for Crieff

We wanted to take a moment to reflect on 2025, our foundational year.

Experience Crieff was established to support the regeneration of Crieff and Strathearn by strengthening our visitor economy, supporting local businesses, and creating reasons for people to come together - whether they live here, work here, or are discovering the area for the first time.

In just one year, we have moved from an early idea into a visible, active platform delivering events, marketing, collaboration, and community-led activity - all with the shared aim of helping Crieff thrive as a welcoming, sustainable destination.

And it turns out, you quite like what we’re doing.

Our social media campaigns generated over 300,000 views on Facebook alone, while our new digital home, experiencecrieff.co.uk, welcomed thousands of visitors looking for what’s on, where to go, and what makes Strathearn special. But the real impact didn’t happen online - it happened on our streets, in our shops, and across our community.

2025: The Highlight Reel

It’s been a busy twelve months! Some of our favourite moments include:

Community Groups Working Together

Over the past year, we’ve been working closely with a Community Events Group, bringing together local groups who have helped shape both the Christmas programme and our summer events. It’s been incredibly positive to see groups that once worked separately now collaborating, sharing ideas, and supporting one another - strengthening connections and creating events that truly reflect the community. 

Blooming Marvellous

We launched a town-centre planting programme to brighten up key areas, enhance public spaces, and help Crieff look its best throughout the year. It’s been a simple but visible way to add colour, pride, and a warmer welcome for both residents and visitors alike.

We’d like to thank the four local primary schools, the fire brigade, Crieff in Leaf, Crieff Food Company for sponsoring the planters, and Green Space - without whose support this project would not have been possible.

Summer Fun

We delivered a 9-day Summer Festival packed with family activities and live entertainment in the Square. Over 1,000 people attended across the week, with 100% five-star satisfaction - a fantastic endorsement of what Crieff can deliver when we work together. The festival brought together local bands, Heartland FM, and many local businesses, all sharing, supporting, and entertaining the community throughout the week.

A Very Crieff Christmas

From our Santa's Post Office, to our late night shopping events, to the Christmas Lights Switch-On delivered by Crieff at Christmas, and the Sugar House Hunt delivered by Friends of Macrosty, everything was incredibly well received. We’ve had great feedback from businesses, families, and visitors alike, and it really highlighted the strength of working together across the town. A huge thank you to everyone involved for the time, commitment, and collaboration - it truly showed what Crieff can achieve when we all work together.

 

The Sugar Mouse Hunt – Celebrating 25 Years

It was wonderful to see so many families out exploring the town as part of this much-loved trail. We were delighted to support Friends of Macrosty by creating and printing all the promotional materials, and arranging a bumper prize kindly donated by Crieff Hydro Hotel to help celebrate the 25-year milestone and ensuring the event was a real success for the whole community.

Sunday Shopping, Entertainment in the Square & Local Markets

Experience Crieff supported live local music during Sunday openings, responding directly to requests from local retailers to help sustain footfall throughout the year. We also supported Crieff Markets and wider community events by providing essential marquees and infrastructure, helping create a lively, welcoming town centre for residents and visitors alike.

Digital Discovery

We launched our email updates and continued to grow our online presence, with over 15,000 Google Search impressions during the year. It’s been great to see more people discovering what’s happening in Crieff and Strathearn and using our platforms to plan visits, days out, and time in the town.

Looking Ahead: What’s in the Diary for 2026

We’re not slowing down. 2026 marks a shift towards long-term sustainability and growth, building on the foundations laid this year.

THIS WEEK: Official Experience Crieff Launch Event - 29 January 2026

We’re delighted to announce our official Experience Crieff launch event, which will bring together the community, local businesses, partners, and stakeholders to share our vision, plans, and priorities for the years ahead.

Date: Thursday 29 January 2026

Location: Crieff Hydro

Time:  4.00pm - 6.00pm

Everyone is warmly invited to attend and hear more about Experience Crieff and their exciting events in 2026, supporting collaboration, promotion, and growth. There will be some exciting announcements and hope you can join us.

Crieff Events 2026

• Summer Festival 2026: following a successful 2025 event we are planning another Summer Festival for everyone to enjoy

• Christmas 2026: Planning is already underway - expect bigger, brighter, and even more collaborative festivities

• World Cup 2026: We’re exploring opportunities to bring additional activity and atmosphere to the town

A Heartfelt Thank You

None of this would have been possible without the continued support of Perth & Kinross Council, grant funders, and the many local businesses, volunteers, and partners who have backed Experience Crieff from the very start. Your support has helped us move from establishment into visible, positive impact - and this is only the beginning.

To find out more or get involved, please contact info@experiencecrieff.co.uk.

Experience Crieff: it’s yours to discover.

Thank you for making 2025 such a spectacular start.