A new festival looking at Aberdeen’s maritime heritage and future is set to drop anchor in the city this July.
The Festival of the Sea will be a two-week celebration from 15th to 28th July of Aberdeen’s relationship with the sea and coastline.
Aberdeen City Council Co-Leader Councillor Ian Yuill said: “The new Festival of the Sea is a fantastic way for the city to come together to celebrate and learn more about how the sea has shaped Aberdeen and our local communities.
"The Festival of the Sea includes great events – and will also begin the countdown to welcoming the Tall Ships Race next year.”
Councillor Martin Greig, culture spokesperson for Aberdeen City Council, said: “Aberdeen is a maritime city so it's only right to mark our continuing relationship to the North Sea through this special programme of events.
“This exciting festival will involve many people in cultural and social activities to celebrate our past and our future links to the sea. It is also a chance to get ready for next year's visit of the Tall Ships. It is important to keep developing this natural connection which has defined our city and region.”
The Festival will take place at venues across the city from Aberdeen Art Gallery and Maritime Museum to community spaces in Fittie and Torry, Aberdeen Science Centre, Arts Centre, Sports Village, Beach Ballroom and more.
A free family fun weekend in Union Terrace Gardens on 20 and 21 July will feature a life-size inflatable whale with a storytelling centre inside alongside comedy performances throughout the weekend from swashbuckling pirates, a roaming giant parrot and a desert island adventure.
Sea-themed activities for all ages will take place in Aberdeen Art Gallery and Museums, from maritime trails to fun creative sessions and workshops, alongside the Wildlife Photographer of the Year exhibition.
A host of events in Fittie and Torry, coordinated by creative producers Open Road, will celebrate both communities’ close relationship with the sea. Visitors can enjoy exhibitions, film showings, arts, crafts, nature walks, rock pooling, family swimming, photography and more.
The Festival will mark one year until the Tall Ships Race arrives in Aberdeen in July 2025, and three Tall Ships will visit the city’s harbour during this time.
The tall ship Swan will sail into South Harbour with her crew spending two weeks taking young people aged 15 to 25 on half-day training sessions in preparation for the 2025 Races.
In addition, the TS Royalist, the Sea Cadets’ flagship, and sailing ship Reaper, visiting from the Scottish Fisheries Museum in Anstruther, will also be available to view from the quayside, with visitors being able to board the Reaper on the 19th and 20th July.
To find out more about the Festival of the Sea, visit our website.