Thousands enjoy bumper festive weekend

29 November 2017

Thousands of visitors flocked to the city centre this weekend for a bumper weekend of festive events.

The festivities started on Thursday 23 November with the switch-on of the Castlegate Christmas Tree. Aberdeen City Lord Provost Barney Crocket and Deputy Mayor Stavanger Bjorg Tysdal Moe, were joined by Aberdeen Churches Together, Big Noise Torry and over 400 spectators to officially light the spruce - a gift from our twin city of Stavanger.

Thursday also saw the opening of FINE Christmas Food & Drink Market in Marischal College Quad (open Thursday 23 – Sunday 26 November).

Organic growers, distillers, farm shops, craft bakers, bespoke confectionary, chutneys, oils, sauces and seasonal pickles…just a taste of was on the menu at the festive food and drink market, curated and produced by SMART Art Agency in collaboration with Aberdeen City Council, Aberdeen Inspired, and supported by Elevator and Business Gateway.

Over the weekend, FINE saw 13,500 visitors pass through its doors, eager to sample the delicious produce from local suppliers.

The weekend culminated on Sunday in a day of colourful parades – the Trinity Centre Reindeer Parade in the afternoon, followed by the Christmas Lights Switch-On / Denis Law Freedom of the City Parade in the evening.

Over 15,000 spectators saw the football legend travel down Union Street in an open top car with Lord Provost Barney Crockett, accompanied by a host of community groups from the city.

Aberdeen City Culture Spokesperson Marie Boulton said: “What a brilliant weekend of events for Aberdeen. The city was alive with festive cheer, and it’s not over yet! We are excited to launch the 12 Days of Christmas Sculpture Trail this Friday, which will ensure that visitors help to spread the Christmas joy across the city centre”.