South Australia Police is encouraging families, visitors and communities to make this year's National Pharmacies Christmas Pageant safe and jolly as it prepares to celebrate one of the state's most cherished traditions.
South Australia Police (SAPOL) has undertaken extensive planning for the 94th Christmas Pageant and is ready to support the hundreds of thousands of spectators expected to attend the event on Saturday 14 November.
The pageant, the largest free public parade in the Southern Hemisphere, will commence from South Terrace at 9.30am and feature floats, marching bands, clowns and dancers travelling through the Adelaide CBD before concluding at Beehive Corner, where Father Christmas will welcome the crowd.
SAPOL will once again lead the parade with a Blue Light vehicle and Mounted Operations officers, followed by the Band of South Australia Police.
Up to 300,000 spectators are expected to line the route, with many arriving early to secure a viewing position behind the Blue Honour Line.
Led by Superintendent Scott Denny as Police Commander, Operation Christmas Pageant 2026 will involve resources from across the organisation, including foot, bicycle and traffic patrols as well as personnel from a range of specialist support areas.
Police, event staff, security personnel, emergency services, medical providers and volunteers will be deployed throughout the event to support public safety and event operations.
Extensive planning has been undertaken by the Emergency and Major Event Section to ensure the event remains safe and enjoyable for all attendees.
Pageant-goers are encouraged to plan their trip and arrive early, allowing extra time for road closures and large crowds. Road closures will be in place throughout the CBD, with no vehicle access permitted across the pageant route while the event is underway.
'If I'm Lost' wristbands will be available throughout the event for parents and carers to use with children and vulnerable people. The wristbands provide a simple and effective way for police, event staff and emergency services personnel to quickly reunite people who become separated from their family or carers in the crowd.
Parents and carers are also encouraged to discuss a meeting location before arriving at the event and take a photograph of children on the day to assist in identifying them if they become separated.
To help ensure everyone enjoys a safe and memorable day, SAPOL encourages pageant attendees to:
* Plan your trip and arrive early, allowing extra time for road closures and large crowds.
* Check road closures and transport arrangements before travelling into the city.
* Use an 'If I'm Lost' wristband for children and vulnerable people.
* Arrange a meeting place with family members in case you become separated.
* Keep personal belongings secure and do not leave items unattended.
* Follow directions from police, event staff and volunteers.
* Remain behind the Blue Honour Line at all times.
For more information on road closures and the pageant route, visit the National Pharmacies Christmas Pageant website.
