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STV News
4 days ago
- STV News
Tall ships to transform Aberdeen Harbour during four-day festival
Aberdeen is preparing to welcome a sea of towering masts as the Tall Ships Races arrive in the city this summer. It will mark the first time in over 20 years that the Granite City has hosted the world-renowned maritime event. From July 19 to 22, the Port of Aberdeen – Scotland's biggest and busiest port – will trade its usual supply vessels for more than 50 majestic yachts, as crews from across the globe descend on the North Harbour. Organisers showcased preparations for the event on Tuesday, including the transformation of buildings around the harbour with red, white and blue paint in honour of the occasion. Emma Wadee, part of the event team, said Aberdeen is 'so ready' to welcome thousands of visitors: She said: 'We've got 50 boats arriving and then four days packed full of entertainment which will be going on all day and into the evening. Aberdeen's North Harbour is really a unique setting for this.' Aberdeen is the only UK port selected to host the international sailing festival, which brings together over 1,000 young sailors to race between ports across Europe. A full programme of events is planned for the four-day celebration, including live music, street food, bars, and a military village – all free to attend. Bob Sanguinetti, CEO of the Port of Aberdeen, said: 'With a packed programme of free events and activities for all ages, there truly is something for everyone to enjoy. We look forward to welcoming the international crews and visitors from near and far.' Young people are at the heart of the Tall Ships Races, with many taking to the sea for the first time. Rachel Wells, who will sail from Aberdeen to Kristiansand in Norway, said she's excited for the journey: She added: 'I think I've got good sea legs! I've sailed as part of a Scout Camp and it was a really good experience. I will be on the Alba Explorer – I haven't seen it yet, but it looks fantastic.' The event will begin with a colourful opening ceremony on Friday, July 19, and culminate in the ships setting sail for Norway on Monday, July 22. Get all the latest news from around the country Follow STV News Scan the QR code on your mobile device for all the latest news from around the country
BBC News
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- BBC News
Tall Ships Races Aberdeen: Full programme of events unveiled
Aberdeen will be turned into a "party city" when it hosts the Tall Ships Races later this year, according to the event's organisers. They have unveiled the full programme for the spectacle which will be held from Saturday 19 July to Tuesday 22 of vessels from around the world will take part, and hundreds of thousands of people are expected to enjoy the four-day event. The organisers say they expect it to be the biggest tourist event in Scotland this attractions will include free live music, and street food stalls. A previously-announced gig by Deacon Blue as part of the Tall Ships event has already sold for Kaiser Chiefs - 'I Predict a Riot' is among their hits - and a Ministry of Sound Classical event are also sold out. Aside from the main names, other acts include Tide Lines, Calum Bowie, Glasvegas, Brooke Combe, Little Kicks, Capollos and Look Busy event organisers revealed there would be a "vibrant" line-up of live music, including Scottish trad, jazz, Afrobeat, hip hop, and Latin line-up also features local choirs and youth children will be catered for with attractions at a family zone at Blaikie's Quay including a giant sandpit and entertainment. People can also get their picture taken with Tall Ships Aberdeen mascot, Dorry the Dolphin, during the festival. Emma Wadee, Aberdeen City Council's Tall Ships Project Manager, said: "We know how much the people of Aberdeen love to party - we saw that during the Dons' Scottish Cup victory parade."We hope people will turn out in their thousands again to enjoy everything on offer at The Tall Ships Races and help turn the Granite City into Party City from morning to night."The races are designed to encourage international friendship and training for young people in the art of from Oman, Uruguay and Peru will be among those taking previously hosted the prestigious event in 1991 and and Lerwick are among other towns to have featured in the event's history, which dates back to the 1970s.
Scottish Sun
06-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
Major summer festival with pop legends & carnival rides coming to Scots city in just weeks
The lineup for the event has also been revealed 'WE CAN'T WAIT' Major summer festival with pop legends & carnival rides coming to Scots city in just weeks Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) AN EXCITING summer festival with carnival rides and pop legends is set to come to a Scottish city in weeks. The Tall Ships festival will come to Aberdeen next month for the first time in 28 years, leaving music fans delighted. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 6 The Tall Ships Races will arrive in Aberdeen next month for the first time in 28 years Credit: HANDOUT 6 Carnival rides will be set up in the Granite City Credit: AFP 6 And music fans can enjoy performances from stars like Deacon Blue Credit: Getty The huge event will see a fleet of historic-style sailing ships arrive in the city for four days of exciting events. It will be held in the Granite City from Saturday, July 19, until Tuesday, July 22. Many of the vessels will be taking part in races and will be open to the public to view at certain times. There will also be a host of legendary acts lined up to entertain crowds at the Quayside Concerts. The open-air performances will be held at Peterson Seabase on the city's Regent Quay to a crowd of 7,000 people. And we previously revealed that the opening night will be hosted by popular Scottish band Deacon Blue. We can't wait to see 50 Tall Ships sailing into Aberdeen this summer. We've made sure there's something for everyone, especially families and children Emma Wadee They will be followed by the Ministry of Sound's 30-piece classical orchestra. While rock icons Kaiser Chiefs have also been asked to back up the 50 boats as they sail into the Port of Aberdeen. There will also be a free event on the Sunday where punters will get to enjoy tunes performed by Tide Lines and Calum Bowie. And now, The Press and Journal has revealed a section of the city will be transformed into a carnival fun zone for the bonanza. Here's how to do festival looks on a budget - and save the planet The Castlegate and King Street areas will be at the heart of the action as rides and attractions are set up. Around 400,000 punters and music fans are expected to descend on the city to lap up the entertainment. A funfair will be in place on King Street, from the West North Street junction to Castle Street. A Discovery learning zone will also be set up in the Castlegate area, which will include several rides and attractions such as the Fast and Furious. This was a huge hit with families when it previously came to Broad Street's Christmas village. Visitors will also be able to go for a ride on the Ferris Wheel and enjoy skyline views of the city. This zone will be free to enter and will also feature a STEM (science, technology, engineering and maths) hub. Here, visitors will be able to explore native sea life touch pools, try their hand at boat-building challenges and enjoy Lego workshops. 'SOMETHING MAGICAL' TICKETS for the festival first went on sale back in March after the lineup for the incredible event was announced. Deacon Blue frontman Ricky Ross said: 'We last played the Tall Ships festival back in 2011 in Greenock and loved it. "We're very happy to be asked back and really looking forward to another great night under the stars in Aberdeen later this year.' Tide Line's lead singer Robert Robertson said: "We can't wait to play for the Tall Ships in Aberdeen on 20th July! "We've had some brilliant gigs in Aberdeen over the years and loved playing for the Tall Ships up in Lerwick a couple of summers ago—so this has all the makings of a great night. 'It also falls just after the release of our new album, Glasgow Love Story, making it an especially exciting time for us!' While Calum added: "So excited to be coming back home to play Tall Ships. Being from Banchory, it's an honour to have been asked to play my first ever festival in Aberdeen! "Also super excited to be supporting Tide Lines, such a big inspiration. Should be a class day!" Adrian Watson, the chief executive of Aberdeen Inspired, said: 'It is a real coup to bring these top-flight acts here to provide an epic soundtrack for the Tall Ships in the Granite City. "Can you imagine Deacon Blue leading 7,000 people in a rendition of Dignity, with all those beautiful vessels as a backdrop? That promises to be something magical. 'These four nights of outstanding concerts will mean Aberdeen is really set to hit the high notes during the Tall Ships visit – not least with the economic boost the 400,000 expected visits will bring the city.' The Codona's carnival will be open across all four days from 9am to 11pm, however, it will close earlier on the final day at 3.20pm. While the Discovery Zone will be open from 9am until 6pm on all days apart from the final day when it will close at 3.30pm. The Tall Ships festival is being organised by Aberdeen City Council, Aberdeen Inspired and Port of Aberdeen. Emma Wadee, Aberdeen City Council's Project Manager for the event, told the Press and Journal: 'We can't wait to see 50 Tall Ships sailing into Aberdeen this summer. 'We've made sure there's something for everyone, especially families and children.' A spokesman from Codona's added: 'With a selection of kids, family, and thrill rides, there will be something for everyone.' 6 Punters will get to enjoy tunes performed by Calum Bowie Credit: Getty 6 Kaiser Chiefs will also headline one of the days Credit: Getty
