WELCOME TO YOUR LATEST IN TOUCH NEWSLETTER
May is that time of year when Aberdeen bursts into a riot of colour – and not just because of the beautiful flowers coming into bloom across the city.
You can also find a vibrant canopy of brilliant brollies at Shiprow Village, thanks to the return of the Umbrella Project, staged by Aberdeen Inspired in partnership with the ADHD Foundation to celebrate and raise awareness of neurodiversity.
It was a real joy to see so many people at the launch event this week, smiling and clapping as young local performers sang, danced and piped. Our thanks to Citymoves, the Robert College Pipe Band and Umbrella A Capella for being so entertaining.
I hope the bright display of umbrellas will keep people smiling all summer long and I can’t thank enough our headline sponsor, Harbour Energy for their support as well as our other sponsor, CNR International.
As well as putting a smile on faces, the Umbrella Project serves to put neurodiversity at the forefront of people’s minds.
One in five people are neurodiverse so it cannot help but touch our all lives. The Umbrella Project is there to remind everyone of the huge contribution people who think differently make to our community and what a strength inclusivity brings to the Granite City.
There was another launch to lift the spirits this week, with the line-up revealed for the return of the Aberdeen Comedy Festival.
Aberdeen Inspired is delighted to be supporting Aberdeen Performing Arts on this laugh-filled celebration that will get the Granite City giggling this autumn.
From household names to rising stars, the Aberdeen Comedy Festival will truly have something for everyone.
Not only that, it will bring people into the city centre to not only enjoy the shows, but also have a bite to eat, something to drink or visit other attractions, which can only boost the city centre’s economy.
Now that really is something to smile about.
Best wishes,
Adrian Watson,
Chief Executive, Aberdeen Inspired
STORIES
Image Credits - Aberdeen Inspired
Colourful Umbrella Project is back to brighten Aberdeen’s summer and celebrate neurodiversity
A canopy of colour has been unfurled on Shiprow as the brilliant Umbrella Project returns to Aberdeen to both celebrate and raise awareness of neurodiversity.
The eye-catching display of bright brollies on one of theGranite City’s most historic streets was launched this week in an event that saw dancers, pipers and speakers encourage people to embrace and enjoy the project.
The umbrellas will be in place until September, paying tribute to the “umbrella” term of neurodiversity, which includes ADHD, autism,Tourette's Syndrome, dyslexia, dysgraphia and dyspraxia.
You can read more about it here.
Image Credits - Aberdeen Inspired
Things looking up for Union Street as Upper Floors Project gets underway
The panel of experts assembled by Aberdeen Inspired to look at ways of breathing new life into the unused and underused upper floors ofUnion Street have started their vital site visits.
The P&J went along with the technical panel to find out more about what they are doing and what they hope to achieve through the trailblazing Upper Floors Project.
You can read the full story here.
Image Credits - Aberdeen Inspired
Aberdeen Inspired welcomes grant for strategy to boost city centre retail
Aberdeen Inspired has welcomed a £39,000 grant for the Business Improvement District to commission a property and retail strategy for the city centre.
Adrian Watson, chief executive of Aberdeen Inspired, welcomed the funding for the Aberdeen City Centre Property and Retail Strategy which will assess the current health of retail property in the city centre and create an actionable plan to understand existing gaps, identify viable investment prospects, and enhance the retail offering.
Aberdeen City Council’s Finance and Resources Committee agreed the monies from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF). You can read more here.
Image Credits - Aberdeen Performing Arts
Stellar line-up revealed for return of Aberdeen Comedy Festival
Leading names of the comedy circuit including Bridget Christie, Deirdre O'Kane, and Rory Bremner will make their way to the Granite City this autumn as the Aberdeen Comedy Festival makes a welcome return, Monday 22 September to Sunday 5 October 2025.
Taking place for the first time since 2022, Aberdeen ComedyFestival has been revived and revamped by Aberdeen Performing Arts, supported by Aberdeen Inspired, who are preparing to host two weeks of the finest comedy in venues across the city.
Read more about the return of Aberdeen Comedy Festival here.
Image Credits - The Collective on the Cobbles
Big Belmont Bash is back with a summer of love your city centre
The Big Belmont Bash is coming back to bookend a brilliant summer in the Granite City with not one, but two vibrant festival days.
The free event for all, staged by The Collective On The Cobbles, will welcome in the summer - and celebrate the history and community of the Belmont Street quarter - on Saturday, May 31.
And the event – supported by Aberdeen Inspired - will do the same again on Saturday, September 6, to say farewell to the long, sunny days.
You can read more here.
Image Credits - Tall Ships Races Aberdeen
Hundreds of volunteers gear up for Aberdeen’s Tall Ships Races spectacular
An incredible 300 volunteers are helping to deliver The Tall Ships Races Aberdeen 2025, the city’s biggest event in a generation.
With just over 70 days until the majestic Tall Ships grace Port of Aberdeen in July, many of the volunteers were at a huge welcome event held at Pittodrie Stadium this week.
The eager helpers got an in-depth introduction from the organising team ahead of the event - being held between 19 and 22 July - as well as further information about their individual roles and a first chance to meet fellow volunteers.
Read all about it here.
Image Credits - Tall Ships Races Aberdeen
‘Treasure chests’ sent to every Aberdeen primary school to spark Tall Ships fever
Every Council-run primary school in Aberdeen will be sent a“treasure chest” of Tall Ships goodies to spark their imagination and excitement before the 50-strong fleet arrives in the Granite City this July.
Along with the thrill of the Treasure Boxes and learning packs, each school will adopt one of the magnificent vessels dropping anchor for the Tall Ships Races Aberdeen 2025, including the chance to interact with their captains and crews online and follow their ships as they race toward the north-east.
You can read more here.
Image Credits - Cyber and Fraud Centre Scotland
Retailers offered webinar to guard against cyber attacks
In light of the recent cyber attacks effecting retailers across the UK, Cyber And Fraud Centre Scotland are delivering a free webinar for retailers to ensure they are aware of the basics to help secure their systems and hopefully prevent further businesses falling victim.
You can find it here: Retail under attack: Build your cyber resilience - Cyber and Fraud Centre - Scotland
Image Credits - Aberdeen City Council
Have your say on the Visitor Levy in Aberdeen
Aberdeen City Council has now launched its consultation on proposals for a visitor levy in the Granite city.
The online version can be found here: Have Your Say Today -Aberdeen City Visitor Levy Consultation 2025 - Commonplace and closes on June 27, 2025.
Letters outlining your position on the Visitor Levy can be sent to EconomicsTeam@aberdeencity.gov.uk.
Image Credits - Aberdeen Performing Arts
Review: Under the mind control of Derren Brown – and it’s magic
The content of Derren Brown’s show Only Human at His Majesty’s is a closely-guarded secret with audiences urged not to give away any spoilers.
But our reviewer is able to reveal one indisputable fact – you will come away with a sense of wonder.
Image Credits - The Tivoli Theatre
Review: The Addams Family is a dark and delicious delight from AYMT at The Tivoli
Junior Aberdeen Youth Music Theatre’s take on The Addams Family is a spooky, spectacular treat packed with wit, charm, and macabre magic. From ghostly ancestors to chaotic dinner parties, the cast deliver showstopping performances and eerie excellence beyond their years.
Expect gothic glamour, ghoulish giggles, and a whole lot of heart. Whether you're a die-hard Addams fan or new to the family, this deliciously dark production will have you clicking your fingers for more