IN TOUCH - ISSUE 49

WELCOME TO YOUR LATEST IN TOUCH NEWSLETTER

Watching the newly-released video capturing the magic of Nuart Aberdeen 2024 was a real joy for everyone here on the Aberdeen Inspired team.

It brought back so many special memories of that vibrant and thrilling weekend, watching these stunning works of art transform the city centre at the skilled and talented hands of some of the best street artists in the world.

The end result truly was a signature year for Nuart Aberdeen – which we stage in partnership with Aberdeen City Council, delivered by Reed Projects.

It has left more than special memories, but also a lasting legacy for the city and its people, thanks to these sublime artworks.

Already Hera’s epic mural at Union Point in the Port of Aberdeen - with the cityscape behind - has become one of the enduring images of 2024, instantly synonymous with the Granite City.

The thrill of creation, the joy of those watching it unfold, the exuberance of the kids taking part in the Chalk Don’t Chalk event is now encapsulated in five minutes of remarkable sound and vision.

The story of Nuart Aberdeen 2024 might be contained in that video – but it doesn’t end there.

Our post-event survey shows a huge vote of approval by those who enjoyed the festival weekend, with 87% rating the experience as excellent or very good.

And 96% said Nuart Aberdeen had positive impact on the city and 95% want to see it return.

That underlines the popularity of the street art festival and its importance to Aberdeen, not just at home but on a national and international stage.

So give yourself a treat and check out the video to be transported again by the transformational power of Nuart Aberdeen 2024.

Meanwhile, on the subject of brilliant events, we are only days away from the return of our Aberdeen Restaurant Weeks and the anticipation is building. How do we know? Because the fantastic Secret Suppers we introduced for this Foodie Fortnight sold out within hours.

Congratulations if you are one of the select band of adventurous diners waiting to find out on the day which great restaurant you will be eating at and which chef will be crafting your unforgettable dining experience.

If not, don’t despair – there is a dizzying choice of venues and cuisines to tuck into, with special Aberdeen Restaurant Weeks menus (and prices) to make your mouth water.

Bon appetit!

Best wishes,

Adrian Watson, Chief Executive, Aberdeen Inspired

Stunning video relives the magic of Nuart Aberdeen 2024 – as visitors give street art festival huge vote of approval

Nuart Aberdeen fans can relive the magic and excitement of this year’s street art festival with a stunning new video – as figures from a survey underline the success and popularity of the event.

The new film captures key moments from the festival weekend in June – including top artists such as Cbloxx and KMG at work, kids having a ball at the Chalk Don’t Chalk family-fun event and hundreds of people enjoying walking tours of the murals.

It was released along with figures from a post-festival survey which found 87% of visitors to Nuart Aberdeen 2024 rated their experience as either excellent (63%) or very good (24%). In addition, 95% of those asked said they would like to see Nuart Aberdeen return, while 96% agreed Nuart Aberdeen has had a positive impact on the city.

You can read more about it here.

North-east traders and creatives invited to be part of ‘biggest and best’ Curated in the Quad Christmas market

Top local traders and creatives are being invited to be part of the biggest and best sparkling Curated in the Quad Christmas market this festive season.

The historic quadrangle at Marischal College will be transformed into a glittering wonderland with more attractive wooden chalets - and twinkling lights - than ever before as the market runs for six weekends from November 15 to December 22, all while raising vital funds for local charity, Charlie House.

Staged by Charlie House in partnership with Aberdeen Inspired, Aberdeen City Council and Codona’s, Curated in the Quad will be a central attraction for the Aberdeen Christmas Village on and around Broad Street, which is expected to bring thousands of people into the city centre.

You can read more about it here.

Delicious journey of discovery awaits Aberdeen diners – but it’s top secret!

A unique Secret Supper dining experience has been unveiled as part of the hugely-popular Aberdeen Restaurant Weeks, adding a dash of “For Your Eyes Only” mystery and excitement to the “Foodie Fortnight”.

Diners have signed up to enjoy a three or four-course Tasting Menu experience exclusively curated for the evening – along with special cocktails and snacks - but which restaurant they are going to and which of Aberdeen’s top chefs will be creating their meal will be kept under wraps until the day itself.

Aberdeen Inspired, which runs Aberdeen Restaurant Weeks returning from September 2 to 15, said the three Secret Suppers will add to the buzz and vibrancy of the festival.

And it has proved so popular the planned Secret Suppers have already sold out… which is why we have added another exclusive one, in conjunction with Aberdeen Whisky Week.

It will be held on Thursday, September 12, with the location and details to be announced on the day. We can tell you it will involve a four-course dinner, paired with four whiskies – and only 12 spots are up for grabs at £60 per person.

Be quick off the mark when they go on sale at 5pm on Monday, August 26 on our website.

Safari so good for build-up to Aberdeen Restaurant Weeks

This week saw bloggers and influencers from the Granite City join Aberdeen Inspired on a Food Safari as a taster for the return of Aberdeen Restaurant Weeks.

Our thanks to Amarone, Café Andaluz and 8848 Restaurant for hosting this exciting preview.

Be sure to watch out for plenty of posts, reels and stories coming thick and fast during the Foodie Fortnight from Monday, September 2.

Aberdeen Inspired delighted to back ‘uplifting’ celebrate Aberdeen awards

Aberdeen Inspired is delighted to once again support this year’s Celebrate Aberdeen Awards.

The Business Improvement District has joined other members of the north-east’s business community in backing the region’s third sector by coming on board as sponsors of this glittering event, to be held on Saturday, October 26, at The Chester Hotel.

Adrian Watson, chief executive of Aberdeen Inspired, said: “We are delighted to once again sponsor and support the Celebrate Aberdeen Awards – an event that truly is one of the most joyous and uplifting in the Granite City’s calendar.”

You can read more about it here.

Aberdeen City Council asks public for their say on its budget for 2025/26

Aberdeen City Council has launched its Budget Consultation 2025/26 – aimed at understanding how potential savings options might affect residents.

Due to rising demand and costs, the Council must address a funding shortfall of £34 million in 2025/26 and £54m over the next three years.

The first phase of the engagement exercise asks how service changes would impact people, including those with protected characteristics – as well as considering ways to fund services.

You will find the link to the survey here.

*Image Credits - The Orthodontic Clinic*

Meet The Levy Payer: The Orthodontic Clinic

Dr Lisa Currie has a passion for putting smiles on faces. Not just any old smiles – but creating beautiful, straight healthy smiles for kids and grown-ups.

That is her mission as the Clinical Director and Consultant Orthodontist of the award-winning The Orthodontic Clinic in Aberdeen’s Golden Square, which she and Managing Director, Ivin Tan, took over 10 years ago. In these past 10 years, these proud business owners have built a multi award-winning practice.

We caught up with Lisa and Ivin for a chat about the clinic’s vital work, its compelling ethos, the importance of being an Aberdeen Inspired levy payer and their plans for the next 12 months – including a big bash at the Chester Hotel next month to celebrate their milestone 10th anniversary.

Read our full interview here.