More than 50 of the north-east’s finest producers and creatives have answered the call to transform the Marischal College Quadrangle into a unique magical festive market this Christmas season.
Organisers of Curated in the Quad had an “overwhelming” response from local firms, artists and artisans, clamouring for places at the hugely popular event, which will run on the six weekends up to Christmas, from Friday, November 17.
The market will be a showcase for a unique line-up each week of locally-produced arts, crafts, clothing, and homeware, along with the finest gourmet food and drink plus a delightful mix of goods and gifts that won’t be found anywhere else.
It will also be a major fundraiser for the charity Charlie House, which is organising Curated In The Quad in partnership with Aberdeen Inspired.
Adrian Watson, chief executive of Aberdeen Inspired, said “Curated In The Quad will help attract thousands of people into the city centre in the run-up to Christmas, with the added benefits of boosting Charlie House and showcasing the cream of local producers and creatives.
“We had an overwhelming response to our call for local producers and creatives to be part of this very special event, which has grown in popularity every year,” he said. “In fact, Curated In The Quad is now as much a part of Aberdeen’s Christmas as turkey and all the trimmings.
“The market will have a magical atmosphere - with twinkling Alpine-style wooden stalls transforming the heart of the historic Marischal College - and also boast the best in food, drink, art, jewellery, arts and crafts from the north-east’s fantastic community of small, independent local producers.”
Image credit - Louise Kendal
Last year, Curated In The Quad raised more than £22,000 for Charlie House, which aims to improve the quality of life for babies, children and young people in the North-east of Scotland who have life-limiting or life-threatening conditions and provide support to their families.
John Brebner, CEO of Charlie House, said: "With the festive season fast approaching, we are incredibly excited for the return of Curated In The Quad.
“Immersed within Marischal College as part of the highly anticipated Christmas Village, we are sure this year’s fantastic lineup of stallholders will be an excellent addition to what is always a highlight of Aberdeen’s holiday shopping scene.
“With Charlie House again chosen as the partner charity for Curated in the Quad, the charity and its supported families look to greatly benefit from the event as it has done in previous years and wish to thank all of those who come out to support Curated in the Quad and Charlie House."
Aberdeen Lord Provost, Dr David Cameron, said: “I am delighted that Curated In The Quad will be returning again this year to Marischal College as part of our fantastic Christmas events programme.
“Being able to feature local producers and makers is a great opportunity to showcase what the region has to offer and I would encourage everyone to visit the market and shop local this festive period."
Roelene Lawtie, of Curiously Charmed, is one of the stallholders taking part in Curated In The Quad, bringing her resin jewellery to the festive market.
She said: “The reason I liked being part of Curated In The Quad is the camaraderie and the way the whole community comes out to support the small businesses, here. It’s also really important for me that Charlie House benefits, too, as they do a really good job in the community and what they do is much needed in Aberdeen.
“The atmosphere at the market is always fun and so is the Christmas Village. It’s a family outing for everyone.”
Curated in the Quad will be open on Friday, Saturday and Sunday each weekend from Friday November 17 until Saturday December 23 (it will not run on the Christmas Eve Sunday).
The festive market is part of the popular Aberdeen Christmas Village on Broad Street which is brought to the city by Aberdeen City Council, Codona’s and Aberdeen Inspired.