The Aberdeen letters look brilliant on Broad Street as part of Spectra. Image - Aberdeen Inspired
Aberdeen has burst into lights with the arrival of Spectra – and we don’t just mean the iconic Aberdeen letters now in pride of place on Broad Street for Scotland’s Festival of Light.
That said, the eye-catching Hollywood-style sign is bound to grab a lot of attention with the glorious backdrop of the lit-up Marischal College, sitting alongside other installations including the Futures light and mirrors tunnel, and the giant End Over End colourful slinky.
Aberdeen Inspired partnered with Aberdeen City Council for Spectra and the letters temporary move to Broad Street where they will have a special festival display.
Allan Smith of Luxous, who created the Aberdeen letters for Aberdeen Inspired, said he was delighted they are part of Spectra.
Allan said: “Having worked closely with Aberdeen Inspired for the past couple of years, we were really keen to show the city what’s possible right here on our doorstep.
“To finally have an art installation featured alongside others from around the world is fantastic. This year’s theme focuses on pastel colours, and I’ve designed a one-off visual specifically for Spectra—something unique that really ties into the festival’s vibe.”
Light and sound transform the steeple of St Nicholas Church for Spectra. Image - Aberdeen Inspired
Spectra will see the Granite City blazing with glorious light artworks in prime locations across the the heart of the city.
One of the most visible is the sound and light show being projected onto the Mither Kirk steeple in a kaleidoscope of colour, while the kirkyard itself is full of a haunting Mycelium Network of illuminated mushrooms and fungi weaving between the trees.
Outside Provost Skene’s House is a wonderful piececalled Urusa Lassos The Moon, that is bound to be an Insta favourite.
And Union Terrace Gardens is home to the Sky Castle – an interactive sound and light installation that will be hugely popular with young and old alike.
Then there is the wonderful animated stained-glass work by Council Baby in the Sculpture Court of Abereeen Art Gallery – and that’s just to mention a few of the wonderful works.
Looks good... the Spectra balloon display created by Jenson & Ledingham Opticians on Belmont Street. Image - Aberdeen Inspired
Adding to the fun is Aberdeen Inspired’s Spectra balloon project, providing 35 businesses with illuminated balloons for festival fans to spot as they walk around the city centre. There is an added bonus of a “treasure trail” with the chance of winning one £100 Aberdeen Gift Card every day of Spectra.
Participating shops will have “mystery envelopes” - but only one will contain a gift card on each of the four days of the festival. Other envelopes could contain discounts and offers from the participating business – or just a “better luck next time” message.
The best way to discover all the delights of Spectra – and maybe one of those Aberdeen Gift Cards, is to get into town and take it all in. Enjoy.
You can find out more about Spectra here.
Meanwhile, below is a gallery of some of the spectacular Spectra works.
Spectra Aberdeen 2025
