Spectra, Scotland’s Festival of Light, will make a spectacular return to light up the skies of the North-east, from Thursday 6 February to Sunday 9 February 2025.
Drawing visitors from across Scotland and beyond, the popular festival will transform iconic Aberdeen city centre sites into a vibrant illuminated canvas, with a programme of free artworks and events.
Now in its 11th year, the celebration of light, art and creativity is now firmly established in Scotland’s event calendar, having grown in the past decade, from an initial audience of 10,000 at a single site to attracting over 100,000 visits over four days in 2024 and contributing £2.6 million in visitor spend to the local economy.
Councillor Martin Greig, cultural spokesperson for Aberdeen City Council, said: “Since its launch, Spectra has offered magical, artistic experiences in the city centre for many to enjoy at no cost.
“Thousands of visitors of all ages have been moved and thrilled by the amazing, shimmering designs and installations. It's great that this imaginative event returns next February to add some extraordinary sparkle and vitality to brighten up those darker evenings.
“I am pleased that Aberdeen City Council is able to offer Scotland's largest urban light festival. The fantastic event brings more folk into the area and helps to create a sense of community that all can share.”
Featuring large scale art installations, light projections, and some surprises across locations including Aberdeen Art Gallery, Union Terrace Gardens and Marischal College, the full line-up for the 2025 festival will be revealed in January.
Creating an unforgettable experience for visitors and residents alike, the free festival provides the perfect opportunity to enjoy everything Aberdeen and North-east Scotland has to offer in winter. Spectra is owned and commissioned by Aberdeen City Council and produced by Live Event Management.
Spectra 2025 is supported by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund and the Scottish Government LACER (Local Authority Covid-19 Economic Recovery) Fund.
More information on the festival can be found at www.spectrafestival.com
Opening night of Spectra 2024. Image by Ian Georgeson.