Spectra, Scotland’s Festival of Light, returns to Aberdeen next week (6-9 February 2025) and to safely accommodate the audience and art installations, a number of temporary parking restrictions and road closures will be in place in the city centre.
Now in its 11th year Spectra will once again see the Granite City’s winter nights illuminated with eye-catching projections, interactive sculptures, and magical installations for all ages from Thursday 6 February until Sunday 11 February.
Audiences to the free festival can look forward to seeing some of Aberdeen’s most iconic buildings and locations transformed as part of Spectra. The festival includes a wide-range of supporting activities from stilt walkers to dancers and musicians.
Councillor Martin Greig, Aberdeen City Council’s Culture spokesperson said: “Spectra is a hugely popular event so Aberdeen City Council is keen to minimise disruption to those who are working, visiting or living near the event sites in the city centre.
“The temporary traffic restrictions will help keep everyone safe before, during and after the festival. Spectra is a major feature in Scotland's culture calendar. Over 100,000 people are expected to visit and enjoy the amazing displays. The traffic arrangements also help people to access the festival sites, which makes the experience more attractive and safer for all.”
Road closures
The following road closures will be in place:
From 11.50pm on Sunday 2 February until 11.59pm on Tuesday 11 February 2025:
- Broad Street from Queen Street to Upperkirkgate.
From 3.45pm until 11pm on Thursday 6 February, Friday 7 February, Saturday 8 February and Sunday 9 February:
- Union Terrace from Union Street to Rosemount Viaduct.
- Rosemount Viaduct from Skene Street to Blackfriars Street.
- Blackfriars Street and St Andrew Street from Schoohill to Charlotte Street.
- Schoolhill including Pocket Park from Blackfriars Street to Upperkirkgate.
- Harriet Street from Schoolhill to Loch Street.
- Back Wynd from Schoolhill to Gaelic Lane.
- Upperkirkgate/Gallowgate from Schoolhill to Gallowgate/Littlejohn Street.
- Queen Street from Broad Street to Shoe Lane.
- Broad Street from Queen Street to Union Street.
- Netherkirkgate from Broad Street to St Catherine’s Wynd.
Parking restrictions
The following parking restrictions will be in place from 11pm on Wednesday 5 February until 11.59pm on Sunday 9 February 2025:
- Schoolhill including Pocket Park the full length of Schoolhill.
- St Catherine’s Wynd from Netherkirkgate to Union Street.
- Upperkirkgate from Flourmill Lane to Broad Street.
- Back Wynd from Schoolhill to Gaelic Lane.
- Union Terrace from Union Street to Rosemount Viaduct.
- Littlejohn Street (Accessible parking only) from Gallowgate to West North Street.
- Queen Street (Accessible parking only) from Broad Street.
Maps have been created for road users ahead of the festival to show the diversions and to highlight alternative city centre northbound and southbound routes.
More information on how to plan your journey, the full festival programme and details of special offers can be found at www.spectrafestival.com