Welcome to your latest IN Touch newsletter
Art isn’t just for art’s sake – it’s for the sake of the whole of Aberdeen.
Certainly, that’s the case when it comes to Nuart Aberdeen, which has absolutely transformed the heart of the Granite City since it first burst into glorious, colourful life in 2017.
Everywhere you look, you can see the legacy left by what is now recognised as one of the best street art festivals in the world – be it giant murals on landmark walls or unexpected intimate works when you turn a corner.
There is always something to delight, to intrigue and even to make you smile, courtesy of some of the most gifted and acclaimed street artists in the world.
Nuart brings art to the people – and people to the art.
Which is why we are delighted to announce Nuart Aberdeen will be returning from June 6 to 9 this year, when the city centre will become a massive canvas ready to be turned into amazing works of art.
But Nuart has a purpose beyond bringing vibrant life to city streets through these amazing installations.
The weekend of the festival brings thousands of people into Aberdeen to enjoy the magical atmosphere and buzz of excitement in one of the most energetic weekends of the year.
These visitors then linger in the city centre, visiting our shops, our restaurants, our bars and the many other attractions the city has to offer – some even staying overnight.
And visitors don’t just come for that weekend. They come back time and time again, to enjoy our Nuart walking tours, or discover the works for themselves.
In fact, Aberdeen is now firmly on the map of top art cities to savour and enjoy in the world – thanks to the message Nuart gets out across the global arts community.
That is a boost to our local businesses and to the wider city and north-east economy that cannot be underestimated.
We are delighted to deliver Nuart Aberdeen again – and we are sure this year’s will be a masterpiece.
Best wishes,
Adrian Watson, Chief Executive, Aberdeen Inspired
Stories
Image credit - BK Tallman. Artist Murmure's spectacular work on the side of the former Queen Street police station.
Save the date… Nuart Aberdeen is back to make a splash of colour this summer
Nuart Aberdeen – the Granite City’s world-acclaimed street art festival – will make a spectacular and colourful return this summer.
Work is well underway to secure some of the most acclaimed and upcoming street artists who will descend on Aberdeen from June 6 to 9 from around the globe to transform walls and spaces with stunning works from jaw-dropping large-scale murals to smaller and more intimate pieces.
The hugely popular event, staged by Aberdeen Inspired, will draw thousands of visitors to the city centre while leaving a legacy that will live on long after the weekend festival is over. You can read more about it here.
A feast of delights as Aberdeen Restaurant Week reaches the midway point
Aberdeen Restaurant Week has been praised for offering a feast of delights for discerning diners – and a major boost for the restaurants, cafes and bars taking part.
As the foodie fortnight, organised by Aberdeen Inspired, heads towards its midway point after launching on Monday, the feedback has been overwhelmingly positive from the public and businesses – and it has even been lauded in the Scottish Parliament.
A total of 81 venues are taking part in the biggest Aberdeen Restaurant Week to date, and they have seen thousands of diners flocking through their doors to enjoy a dazzling array of cuisines with fantastic deals and special menus.
You can read more about it here.
Image credit - Glen Cairns/Visit Aberdeenshire
Aberdeen Big Letters take a short break
The iconic Aberdeen Letters are making a temporary move out of Union Terrace Gardens to let the Spectra shine.
The popular Hollywood-style sign will be going into storage for around a month from this weekend to allow for the installation of the Festival Of Light in the gardens.
Meantime, everyone at Aberdeen Inspired is looking forward to the arrival of Spectra and hope to see thousands of people in the city centre enjoying the event – and supporting local businesses.
You can read more about the Aberdeen Letters move here.
Tall Ships chart a course for success in Aberdeen
A taste of what we can expect from the return of the Tall Ships Races to the Granite City was offered at a special gathering last week.
An inception meeting in the Town House charted the course for the arrival of this fantastic event in July 2025 to an audience of civic leaders, captains of industry and third-sector stalwarts.
The Tall Ships will bring a high tide of excitement, visitors and investment to Aberdeen.
You can read more about the inception meeting here and find out more about the Tall Ships Races Aberdeen 2025 here.
Image credit - Aberdeen Performing Arts
Award winning West End show set to thrill audiences at His Majesty’s
Life Of Pi – which has won a slew of Olivier and Tony Awards – will delight Aberdeen audiences at HMT from Tuesday, January 30, to Saturday, February 5, with a stunning mix of live theatre, astounding sets and astonishing puppetry.
Based on the Man Booker Prize winning novel by Yann Martel, the stage version of an epic journey of endurance and hope won five Olivier Awards in 2022 and three Tony awards in 2023.
Read more about it here.
Image credits: Gillian Donald
We have a panto winner… oh, yes we do!
His Majesty’s panto Sleeping Beauty might be over but the magic lingers on for Gillian Donald and her eight-year-old daughter, Lexi.
They are the winners of a family ticket to see 2024’s fantastic pantomime at HMT – Jack And The Beanstalk – after Lexi posed in front of the iconic Aberdeen Big Letters before a trip to the theatre over the festive season, in a competition organised by Aberdeen Inspired and Aberdeen Performing Arts.
You can read more about it here.
Meet The Levy Payers: All Bar One
All Bar One at Marischal Square aims to offer its guests the best experience – bar none.
We caught up with general manager Roy Morrison to find out more about the ethos of this popular eatery, what their plans are for the next 12 months – and how much they are enjoying being part of Aberdeen Restaurant Week.
Read Roy's full interview here.
Wish to be featured in a coming Meet the Levy Payers interview? Email Scott.begbie@aberdeenspired.com
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