Local businesses in Aberdeen are getting ready to support next year’s Spectra, with visitors set to enjoy a number of offers as Scotland’s Festival of Light marks its 10th anniversary.
Scotland’s Festival of Light will return to the city with a striking programme of free artworks and events from Thursday 08 February to Sunday 11 February 2024. Spectra will once again see the Granite City’s winter nights lit up with eye-catching projections, interactive sculptures, and magical installations.
Some of Aberdeen’s most iconic buildings and locations will be transformed as part of the spectacular festival programme, including a return to Union Terrace Gardens, Marischal College, and Aberdeen Art Gallery, encouraging audiences of all ages to explore the city and delight in seeing it in a new light.
Leading independent law firm Burness Paull will help to bring Spectra to life, with the organisation set to sponsor part of the festival programme. The legal firm, whose Aberdeen team recently moved into its new base at Marischal Square, will be supporting the festival for the first time.
Councillor Martin Greig, Aberdeen City Council’s Culture spokesperson, said: “Aberdeen City Council is delighted to have the support of key local and national partners to help bring the tenth anniversary of Spectra to life. Each year the festival brings thousands of visitors into the heart of Aberdeen to enjoy the very best of what the city has to offer. It’s great that our local businesses and communities can already start looking forward to Scotland’s Festival of Light returning in February 2024.”
John Strachan, Partner at Burness Paull said: “We are incredibly proud to be supporting the upcoming Spectra programme, especially in this milestone 10th anniversary year. Spectra is truly one of the cultural highlights of the year in the North East, and with the festival taking place right on the doorstep of our new office we’re already excited to enjoy the programme alongside local residents and visitors alike.”
The festival will also partner with local jewellers Finnies for the first time. A fixture in the city since opening in 1957, the beloved family-owned business will help to bring some sparkle to the 10th anniversary programme in 2024.
Audiences will also have the chance to enjoy some hearty hospitality as part of their Spectra visit. The Terrace Bar at His Majesty's Theatre will offer a spectacular perspective on the festival’s installations, with an eye-catching view overlooking Union Terrace Gardens. The city-favourite eatery is the perfect spot to enjoy a view of the festival sights while tucking into some fabulous food and drink specials from mid-morning to evening. The talented Terrace bar-team will also be mixing up a special Spectra cocktail that will be available during the festival.
And local favourite Dough & Co will be running festival some delicious specials, including a new Spectra-themed doughnut for the occasion. Audiences can keep their eyes on the Spectra website and social media for full details on the many other local offers they can look forward to ahead of the festival.
A leading light of the North-East’s year-round cultural calendar, Spectra is delivered by Aberdeen City Council and created in collaboration with local company Live Event Management.
More information on the festival can be found at www.spectrafestival.com
Credit image. Ian Georgeson.