Local businesses and groups in the Belmont Street Quarter have come together to launch the Collective On The Cobbles with its first event set for next month, Big Belmont Bash. Image - Aberdeen Inspired.
Aberdeen Inspired is delighted to support the new and exciting Big Belmont Bash event that is set to create a real buzz in the heart of the Granite City.
As revealed in the P&J today, this fun-filled event on Saturday, September 7, will be packed with music, arts, sport and historical and literature activities as Belmont Street, Gaelic Lane and Little Belmont are transformed into a bustling and vibrant pedestrian community space from 10am to 8pm.
It is being staged by Collective On The Cobbles – a new group of businesses, charities and community organisations determined to show a collective spirit, a passion for the city centre and a desire to show Aberdeen is very much open for business.
Big Belmont Bash is the first event planned by the group, who hope more will follow.
Belmont Street will be the epicentre of a fun-filled big-bash in September.
John Wigglesworth, owner of Books & Beans and spokesperson for the Collective, said: “‘We could moan about the impact of the works on business across the city centre and the lack of support during what will be a difficult few years until the projects are complete, but we want show the great spread of businesses and organisations who are pouring their energy into making the city centre a fun place to be during the day and night.
“The city centre is full of stories and history that deserve to be told so we have come together as a collective to curate, what will be a very special event.”
Big Belmont Bash will involve more than 30 businesses, laying on “zones” offering dance workshops, art workshops, writing workshops and talks with northeast writers and poets, music from jazz to dance, historical tours, sports fun with AFC Community Trust (and a special guest) and Robert Gordons University Rugby team and many more surprises during a day for that has something for everyone.
'Come and join our great day out' is the message from the Belmont Street area businesses who have formed Collective On The Cobbles. Image - Aberdeen Inspired
John said: “I am very honoured to be part of this group of people, who are all given so much time and positive energy to make this happen. It is building up to a day that will deliver a much-needed buzz and momentum to the city centre and all business, whether on Union Street or the Belmont area.”
He also thanked Aberdeen Inspired, Aberdeen City Council, and Fine Day Studio for supporting the Big Belmont Bash and being partners in this and future events.
Danuta Dobrzanska, business engagement and development manager with Aberdeen Inspired, said: “We are delighted to support the Collective On The Cobbles and their first – and very exciting event - Big Belmont Bash.
“This is going to be a fantastic event that we are sure will draw so many people into the Belmont Street quarter to enjoy a fantastic fun-filled day while giving local traders and businesses a much-needed boost.
There will be so much to see and do in and round Belmont Street for the Belmont Big Bash. Image - Aberdeen Inspired
“More than that, it is an outstanding example of a business community coming together, rolling up their sleeves and doing something positive to get out the message that Belmont Street – and indeed all of the city centre is not only open, but has so many great things to offer.
“And the timing of the Big Belmont Bash couldn’t be better, coming as it does at the start of Aberdeen Inspired’s Aberdeen Restaurant Weeks.
“We look forward to seeing what the Collective On The Cobbles has in store for the future – it really is a bold and visionary leap forward to help in the regeneration of the heart of the Granite City.”