Local traders have formed Collective On The Cobbles ... and Big Belmont Bash is their first event to help regenerate the city centre. Image - Aberdeen Inspired
Big Belmont Bash is set to transform one of the most historic quarters of Aberdeen into a vibrant, thriving and unforgettable day out this Saturday (September 7).
And Adrian Watson, chief executive of Aberdeen Inspired, urged as many people as possible to join in this unique event in a pedestrian-friendly zone packed with live music, food and drink, art, storytelling, sports, dance and even historic tours.
Staged by Collective On The Cobbles, a new group of 30 businesses, charities and community, Big Belmont Bash aims to showcase just how much the city centre has to offer and underline that it is very much open for business.
Adrian said: “We are delighted to throw our support behind this fantastic initiative that is coming from the businesses and traders of the Belmont Street Quarter themselves. We have been delighted to work with them on this outstanding project.
“Their passion and pride is matched only by their sense of place and a vision for its future. They are offering up a fantastic day of events that will truly turn this area into the big beating heart of the Granite City.”
Big Belmont Bash will hopefully attract thousands of people to enjoy a packed line-up of activities taking place on Belmont Street, Back Wynd, Gaelic Lane and Little Belmont Street from 11am to 8pm.
The cream of local talent will offer live music and DJ sets in a purpose-built outdoor state in the Academy Centre courtyard, with local food and drink venues keeping visitors fed and refreshed all day.
A rich strand of sports and well-being offerings will give folk of all ages to enjoy football shootouts, give rugby a go, and even have a shot at shuffleboard. There will also be opportunities for all ages to indulge in yoga.
The arts and literature feature heavily, too, with reading events by authors, creative writing workshops and even a fun “poetry tombola”.
Given this is one of the most historic areas of Aberdeen, it is only fitting that esteemed local historian Dr Fiona-Jane Brown, will run a special tour of the streets and lanes to discover its hidden past.
An added attraction will also be the Belmont Cinema opening its doors for the day as a sneak peek at the much-loved filmhouse and a chance to support the drive to see it re-open.
There are many great places to discover in the Belmont Street Quarter. Image - Aberdeen Inspired
All of this plus plenty of other surprises and fun things on the day itself as well as the rich retail offering of boutiques, bookshops, gift shops and clothes shops in the quarter.
Many of the food and drink outlets will also be part of Aberdeen Inspired’s Aberdeen Restaurant Weeks, running until September 15.
Adrian said: “A power of work has gone into Big Belmont Bash a day to remember – and a day to drive home the message of just how much there is to see and do and celebrate in our city centre even as it goes through its current transition.
“It is also inspiring to see local businesses come together to work in this collaborative way to give Aberdeen a much-needed boost. We can’t wait to see what the Collective On The Cobbles will do next and we stand ready to give them our support.”
Visit Big Belmont Bash and discover the delights of this great part of the city centre. Image - Aberdeen Inspired