WELCOME TO YOUR LATEST IN TOUCH NEWSLETTER
Teamwork makes the dreamwork is possibly the ultimate cliche – but the thing about cliches is that they are true.
And that one is pitch perfect when it comes to describing Aberdeen FC’s decision to become a voluntary levy payer with Aberdeen Inspired.
We are so delighted to be working in partnership with the Dons to drive more improvements and fresh investment into the city centre together.
And it has been a real lift for everyone at Team Aberdeen Inspired to have AFC recognise and praise our constant work to boost the heart of Aberdeen and to roll up their sleeves and join in.
Becoming a voluntary levy payer was an active choice for the Dons. Their mission to bring their on and off pitch success - and invaluable resources - to the heart of Aberdeen will make everyone a winner.
And I know there are many other companies, businesses and organisations out there who could also bring so much to the Business Improvement District by making the same choice to become a voluntary levy payer. Aberdeen Inspired would welcome you to the team with open arms.
We know teamwork in promoting the Granite City pays off. That has just been underlined with Aberdeen being named as the UK’s second most festive city in a survey by national train operator LNER, only just losing out to Edinburgh.
This is a fantastic vote of confidence in all the hard work that goes into making Christmas in Aberdeen so special, from the Christmas Village to the Curated In The Quad festive market, the Christmas parade, the decorations and the new-light up trail.
All of that is thanks to the partnership that happens between Aberdeen Inspired, Aberdeen City Council, Codona’s, Charlie House and the many other stakeholders and businesses who work together to make this the most wonderful time of the year.
The Granite City is now a bright, joyous Yuletide beacon – one that clearly can be seen across the UK – and that is entirely thanks to the teamwork of everyone involved.
Let’s not forget that teamwork isn’t just for Christmas – it's something that happens all year round, drawing in people who have a passion for making the Granite City as great as it can be.
So, please, whenever you have the chance, step up to the spot and be part of Team Aberdeen.
Best wishes,
Adrian Watson, Chief Executive, Aberdeen Inspired
STORIES
Image Credits - Aberdeen Football Club
Dons and Aberdeen Inspired team up to paint the town red!
Aberdeen FC has responded to Aberdeen Inspired’s rallying call to businesses and signed up to support the city’s Business Improvement District (BID) to drive further improvements and fresh investment into the city centre.
The Club recognises the importance of the city centre to the region and wants to help Aberdeen Inspired to continue its efforts to transform the city centre at a time when its funding is being squeezed.
With the Dons becoming a voluntary levy payer with Aberdeen Inspired, the two organisations will work together on initiatives to attract more footfall into the city centre and to build on the positive impact that the club’s on-the-pitch success is having on the city.
You can read more about this pitch perfect plan here.
Image Credits - Aberdeen Inspired
‘Use the night buses’ urges Aberdeen Inspired as business hail the free service as boost for the night time economy
Aberdeen Inspired is urging people to use the free night at weekends, as businesses in the city centre’s vital night-time economy hailed the service as a vital boost for their sector.
Night buses started from Saturday, November 16, with 10 routes to key destinations in Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire operating on weekends until Sunday, January 5.
The provision of the night bus services – contracted to First Bus by Aberdeen City Council - will be funded from bus lane enforcement revenue and has been introduced in collaboration with Aberdeen Inspired.
Already several city centre businesses have warmly welcomed the return of night buses as a much-needed boost for the night-time economy, helping people get home reliably and safely after a night out.
You can read more about it here.
Image Credits - Codonas Aberdeen
Aberdeen Inspired hail Granite City's accolade as second most festive city in the UK
Christmas in Aberdeen has won another national accolade, being named as the UK’s second most festive city in a study by train operator LNER, just pipped at the post by Edinburgh.
The news has been warmly welcomed by Adrian Inspired, chief executive of Aberdeen Inspired, as underlining the success and popularity of the sparkling events staged to bring the season’s cheer – and an economic boost – to the city.
Adrian said: “Being ranked the second most festive city in the UK out of 88 – and standing shoulder-to-shoulder with the world-famous Edinburgh Christmas – is a fantastic achievement for Aberdeen, putting us firmly on the national stage.
You can read more about it here.
Image Credits - Codonas Aberdeen
Bigger and better Curated In The Quad brings unique Christmas magic to city centre
The magic of Curated In The Quad has returned to the heart of the Granite City as the unique Christmas market bursts into sparkling life, showcasing the finest producers and creatives in the north-east.
And this will be the biggest Curated In The Quad yet with 50% more Alpine chalet stalls – up from 30 last year to 45 for this Christmas – with a roster of 65 traders flocking to take part across the six weekends the market will run.
Organised in partnership with Aberdeen Inspired and Charlie House, it stands alone among festive markets in Scotland, in concentrating on locally-produced arts, crafts, clothing, homeware alongside gourmet food and drink, to offer goods and gifts that can’t be found anywhere else.
You can read all about it here.
Image Credits - Aberdeen Inspired
The festive season has arrived in Aberdeen with the opening of the Aberdeen Christmas Village
Christmas in Aberdeen has burst into spectacular life after the Christmas Village on Broad Street was officially opened in a blaze of colour and excitement.
It heralds six-weeks of festive, family fun in the heart of Aberdeen with the village – organised by Codona’s on behalf of Aberdeen City Council and Aberdeen Inspired, attracting thousands of people, seven days a week right up to Hogmanay.
Visitors and locals alike can join in the fun, including new thrill ride ‘The Twist’ as well as family favourites such as the ice rink, ferris wheel, bungy trampolines and children’s carousel, plus a host of local food and drink producers.
Read more here.
Image Credits - Aberdeen Inspired
Aberdeen icon Annie Mo's named as UK's favourite local business
Iconic Aberdeen furniture retailer Annie Mo’s has been named as the UK’s Favourite Local Business in a national competition sponsored by Miconex.
And one of the hundreds of Aberdonians who voted for the much-loved Union Street store has scooped a £1,000 Aberdeen Gift Card as a prize.
More than 4,000 votes were cast for over 1,000 different businesses in the competition which amassed entries from towns and cities from Aberdeen to the Isle of Wight, covering all sectors including retail and hospitality - with Annie Mo’s receiving the most votes in the UK.
You can read more about it here.
Image Credits - Our Union Street
Our Aberdeen
Our Union Street wants your advice. They are looking at providing a single data platform to capture and promote all events, launches, deals etc across the city but want to know what would work for you.
With everyone promoting their events to their own online presence in parallel, it is easy to see how people miss things and how businesses miss out.
Knowing what’s on, and what’s on offer, in Aberdeen - today, tomorrow and beyond is not easy. It is difficult to know what is happening in Aberdeen without trailing through multiple websites, apps and Facebook pages. People miss events and events miss people.
How could this be designed to work for you? (The starting assumption is that the system would be free for businesses and consumers, that businesses would enter their own promotions and that the system would sit alongside existing channels.)
Drop Bob Keiller a note with your thoughts: Bob@OurUnionStreet.com
Image Credits - Tall Ships Races Aberdeen
‘Armada of Opportunity’ sailing towards Granite City as international fleet already confirmed for Tall Ships Aberdeen 2025
An “armada of opportunity” is sailing towards the Granite City with news the Tall Ships Races Aberdeen 2025 has already secured an impressive international fleet of 35 vessels – many of them the most spectacular sailing ships on the sea – for the world-class event next summer.
And organisers are confident of reaching their goal of 50 ships berthing at Port of Aberdeen when the Tall Ships return to the city for the first time in almost 30 years next July 19 to 22, bringing Europe’s largest free family event to the north-east.
Just as impressive are some of the background stories and statistics behind these beautiful vessels, particularly the huge Class A ships, which will be bringing colour and excitement to the Granite City.
You can read more about it here.
Image Credits - Port of Aberdeen
Book now for a free masterclass on making the most from cruise and tourism trade for your business
Aberdeen Inspired is offering our levy payers a Travel Trade Masterclass which we are holding with Visit Aberdeenshire.
This seminar is aimed at bringing up to speed those businesses interested in capitalising on the booming number of cruise ship visitors as well as the many winder travel trade opportunities.
It will be held on Wednesday, February 5, at the Copthorne Hotel from 9.30am to 2.30pm and is free to attend for BID members – although spaces are limited.
This is a fascinating and informative event to let you know how best to tap in the almost limitless opportunities offered by both cruise ship visits and wider tourism trade.
You can find more details – and book your tickets - here.
Image Credits - Aberdeen Inspired
Dates revealed for next outing for hugely-popular Aberdeen Restaurant Weeks
Dates for the next Aberdeen Restaurant Weeks outing have been revealed – with a call for city eateries to grab their place at the table for this celebration of the Granite City’s finest food and drink.
Discerning diners are also being urged to save the date for the “Foodie Fortnight” which will run from February 24 to March 9, organised by Aberdeen Inspired to showcase the sheer range and quality of the city’s restaurants, cafes and bars.
Read more about Aberdeen Restaurant Weeks – and how venues can sign up - here.
Image Credits - Aberdeen Performing Arts
City venues invited to be part of Aberdeen Comedy Festival 2025
The return of Aberdeen Comedy Festival is a chance for venues across the city centre to share in the joy of the popular event.
Aberdeen Performing Arts, who are staging the festival with Aberdeen Inspired as supporting partner, are inviting venues who want to be part of the “fortnight of funny” from September 22 to October 5, to get in touch with them.
The arts organisation will connect venues with applications from artists, promoters and agents, to ensure a great line-up. Alternatively, venues with events already planned can register them with the festival for a £150 fee per show, to cover the cost of box office services and an entry in the official festival programme.
To find out more email Laura.McVicar@aberdeenperformingarts.com
Image Credits - Aberdeen Inspired
Meet The Curated In The Quad Stallholder: Very Spexy
Our very own winter wonderland, the Curated in the Quad market at Marischal College, is once again creating a magical atmosphere this Christmas, where you can pick out the perfect gifts for your family and friends from our amazing range of stallholders.
Over the coming weeks, we will introduce you to a few of the unique creatives and producers who are selling their fascinating items at this year’s market, which is organised by Aberdeen Inspired and Charlie House.
Today it’s the turn of Very Spexy Optical Boutique who are offering delightful permanent jewellery – bracelets, anklets and necklaces - that they will weld close in a shower of spectacular sparks to create memories that last forever.
See our chat with them here.