Silver City set to sparkle with events celebrating Aberdeen’s history and heritage

22 March 2017

Aberdeen City Council has confirmed a number of events which will form the main programme of Silver City Stories, a one-off cultural festival due to take place in Aberdeen over three days in June.

Drawing on Aberdeen’s rich history, this series of free events celebrates the Scottish Year of History, Heritage and Archaeology through a variety of art forms and activities from Friday 30 June to Sunday 2 July.

Highlights include a pop-up opera inspired by the Great Scottish Witch Hunt of 1597, a medieval mystery fair, a series of performances and workshops celebrating the North East’s storytelling traditions and a weekend of immersive children’s activities. A full programme is expected to be launched in April.

An Aberdeen City Council spokesperson said “The recent success of Spectra shows that our residents and visitors to the city embrace new cultural experiences. Silver City Stories will bring together many organisations from across the city and wider region. We are delighted to be developing a collaborative approach to culture in the city.”

Confirmed partners include Sound Festival, Aberdeen Performing Arts, Quid’s In Theatre, Peacock Visual Arts, Scottish Culture and Tradition, First Group Heritage Trust, ACT Aberdeen and Aberdeen Science Centre.

Lesley Anne Rose, Head of Production and Technical at Aberdeen Performing Arts, added: “APA is delighted to see the diverse range of events which will bring Aberdeen’s history and heritage to life.

“Leading figures from the arts will work closely with local home grown talent to produce some memorable performances. It is especially exciting that many of these have been developed especially for this event.”

Aberdeen City Council is also inviting groups and volunteer organisations to apply for up to £1,000 of funding towards community-based events which will run as part of a fringe festival around Silver City Stories. Deadline for funding submissions is Sunday 9 April, details are available at http://www.aberdeencity.gov.uk/creativefunding.