Union Terrace Gardens will host several Spectra artworks including a colossal structure of illuminated globes. Image - courtesy of Spectra
Let there be light… Spectra is set to burst into life tomorrow (Thursday, 8th February) bringing a blaze of glorious colour to the heart of the Granite City.
Scotland’s Festival of Light will transform city landmarks including Union Terrace Gardens, Remembrance Hall, and Marischal College into stunning artworks for four days as the brilliant event marks its 10th anniversary.
Working under the theme Connections, the festival is expected to attract thousands of people to the city centre – something warmly welcomed by Aberdeen Inspired chief executive Adrian Watson.
“Bringing sparkling light and art into the heart of Aberdeen to help drive the dark winter nights away is a stunning achievement and we can’t wait to welcome Spectra back,” said Mr Watson.
A curtain of lights will transform Union Terrace Gardens during Spectra. Image - courtesy of Spectra
“Not only will it be spectacular, it will also pull thousands into Aberdeen city centre from far and near. These visitors won’t just enjoy Spectra, they will also linger, visiting other attractions, restaurants, cafes, and bars, giving our local economy the lift it needs and deserves.
“I would urge as many people as possible to come along, bring family and friends, and enjoy all the glittering delights of Spectra.”
Highlights of the festival, delivered by Aberdeen City Council with local company Live Event Management, include artists Heinrich and Palmer creating a new work celebrating the city’s maritime story in the Sculpture Court of the Art Gallery. The large-scale, 3D projection will become part of the gallery’s permanent collection.
The front of His Majesty's Theatre will host a stunning projection of dancers and performers. Image - courtesy of Spectra
Other Spectra attractions will include:
- Union Terrace Gardens hosting a number of stunning works, such as a colossal light structure of illuminated globes, a spectacular curtain of thousands of points of light, and dynamic light weaving patterns through the landscape, plus a long trail of illuminated yarn for audiences to follow.
- The gallery’s Remembrance Hall hosting a flight of neon-flecked butterflies.
- The front of His Majesty’s Theatre being lit up with a projection of dancers and performers in a work by Double Take
- Broad Street will host an immersive matrix of mirrored and luminescent monoliths, while a giant mirror ball heart will dapple Marischal Square.
- All of this plus many surprising and delightful projections and live performances across the city.
Butterflies will be a colourful theme for Spectra in Aberdeen. Image - courtesy of Spectra
Mr Watson added that Spectra is the first of many festivals to come in 2024, from Granite Noir later this month to Nuart Aberdeen in June, with a diverse range of events in between and beyond.
He said: “These festivals all have one thing in common – they underline the vital importance of our cultural sector in the economic life of the whole of the north-east. Making our city vibrant, attractive and prosperous is an art form and so many people in Aberdeen are working so hard to achieve that.”
For more information on Spectra visit www.spectrafestival.com