The grand opening ceremony for Aberdeen Christmas Village kicked off six weeks of festive fun. Image - Aberdeen Inspired
Christmas celebrations in Aberdeen officially started today with the opening of the Christmas Village on Broad Street.
Visitors and locals alike can enjoy fun attractions and rides, including a new Ferris Wheel as well as the return of the popular ice rink, bungy trampolines and children’s carousel. Local food and drink traders will also feature.
Aberdeen Lord Provost, Dr David Cameron, officially opened the Christmas Village alongside Adrian Watson, Chief Executive of Aberdeen Inspired. They were joined by panto characters from Aberdeen Arts Centre’s festive treat, Rapunzel.
Organised by John Codona’s Pleasure Fairs on behalf of Aberdeen City Council and Aberdeen Inspired, the village will remain in place on Broad Street until Hogmanay.
Robert Gordon's College Pipe Band and Highland Dancers ushered in Aberdeen Christmas Village. Image - Aberdeen Inspired
Mr Watson said it was great to see Aberdeen Christmas Village burst into life.
He said: “All this family-friendly fun will be enhanced from Friday (November 17) when Curated In The Quad brings the north-east’s top producers and creatives to town to offer their unique, wonderful wares at our festive market, in support of Charlie House, for the next six weekends
“The hustle and bustle around Broad Street will bring thousands of people into the heart of Aberdeen. Not only will these visitors enjoy the village and the market, they will also go on to enjoy the many shops, restaurants, bars and attractions in the city centre.
“Aberdeen, your Christmas starts here!”
Doing the honours to open the Aberdeen Christmas Village were the cast of Aberdeen Arts Centre panto, Rapunzel, Lord Provost Dr David Cameron and his wife, Hazel, and Adrian Watson, Chief Executive of Aberdeen Inspired. Image - Aberdeen Inspired.
The Lord Provost said: “The Christmas festivities are always a much-loved and popular addition to Aberdeen’s events programme.
“The events taking place this year are a brilliant way for friends, and family to come together and get into the festive spirit. The addition of the Ferris Wheel to this year’s village looks fantastic and I am especially pleased to see so many local traders being able to showcase their wonderful produce.”
The popular open-air Curated In the Quad market, organised by Aberdeen Inspired and Charlie House, will return to the quadrangle at Marischal College each weekend (Friday to Sunday). The market will showcase a unique line-up each week of locally produced gifts, crafts, food and drink.
Festive cheer arrived at Aberdeen Chistmas Village with the cast of Rapunzel, Aberdeen Art Centre's panto this year. Image - Aberdeen Inspired
Alfred Codona, Director at John Codona’s Pleasure Fairs, said: "We’re excited to open the Aberdeen Christmas village for another year, which is a testament to the efforts of our talented and dedicated team. The Aberdeen Christmas Village is a special time for us, because aside from bringing fun outdoor attractions to the heart of the city, it gives us the opportunity to partner with and support some of the fantastic local businesses in Aberdeen, in addition to the incredible Charlie House charity.
“This year, we've curated a diverse range of food and drink vendors, partnering with Aberdonian favourites to offer up something extra festive and special for visitors to enjoy.
“We're delighted that Charlie House is back in the quad with their impressive line-up of sellers for the Christmas Market. It's an unmissable opportunity for visitors to support local businesses and a very worthy cause."
One of the many food vendors cooking up tasty treats at Aberdeen Christmas Village. Image - Aberdeen Inspired.
New additions to Christmas In Aberdeen this year will include Union Terrace Gardens being festively lit and will feature the re-located Nativity Scene, serving as an important reminder of the true meaning of Christmas.
The Union Street Christmas lights and the Castlegate Christmas tree will be switched on this Sunday with a festive-themed parade including the Charlie House Santa Fun Run, starting at 5.15pm.
Full details of all the events and activities taking place over the festive period, including road and traffic restrictions, can be found on our website: www.aberdeencity.gov.uk/christmas