An exciting programme of events including ticketed music concerts with nationally and internationally recognised headline acts is to take place as part of the Tall Ships festival in Aberdeen next year.
A large outdoor event space adjacent to the harbour’s quaysides including a stage holding more than 7,000 people is to be constructed as part of the family-friendly festivities which are expected to draw 400,000 visitors and 60 Tall Ships from 19 to 22 July 2025.
The updates were agreed today at Aberdeen Council Council’s Finance and Resources Committee – the Council is one of the main partners for the event alongside The Port of Aberdeen and Aberdeen Inspired.
Committee Convener Councillor Alex McLellan said: “The programme of music concerts with national and internationally-recognised headline acts is an exciting new announcement of what will be happening around Aberdeen’s quaysides for the Tall Ships.
“The additional events through the cultural and education programme will also add to the buzz in the city centre next July and will be great fun to take part in.”
Aberdeen City Council Culture Spokesperson Councillor Martin Greig said: “The Tall Ships are expected to bring an additional 400,000 visitors to Aberdeen which will more than double the city’s population. We want to ensure that there are plenty of exciting and interesting activities for residents and visitors to enjoy.
“A varied programme of recreational and cultural events is being prepared to suit all ages and interests and to make the Tall Ships an enjoyable and memorable experience for all.”
The report to committee said due to Aberdeen’s popularity among participating ships, the size of the expected fleet has grown from 40 ships to about 60 now expected. Costs related to the ships, crew, and event security have risen alongside above inflationary costs in the events sector.
Additional cultural and education programme events are proposed which would have to be paid for through sponsorship, grants, patronage or other funding. These could include a free kids’ play zone including a beach area at the quayside, a world record attempt for the biggest Dashing White Sergeant, a STEM programme from key sector partners including family activities at the event site, and additional activities at the Closing Celebration.
Sponsorship has been actively pursued since February and packages are available with defined benefits which are then tailored to potential sponsor needs. The sponsorship target is a minimum of £850,000 with stretch targets of £1million and £1.2m. Of the major sponsors, one top tier package and the headline sponsor package remain. More details of sponsorship packages is at Sponsorship | Tall Ships Aberdeen