BAP Union sitting just outside the Port of Aberdeen. Image Credit to Callum Main.
Welcome to your latest In Touch newsletter – Tall Ships Aberdeen Special! ⛵️
We’re excited to bring you this special edition as Aberdeen gets ready to welcome the majestic Tall Ships from tomorrow, Saturday 19 July, until Tuesday 22 July. The city will be alive with colour, music, and family-friendly activities, and we’re here to help you make the most of this four-day celebration.
Read on for your essential Tall Ships guide!
GETTING TO TALL SHIPS
Plan your journey to the Tall Ships festival from 19–22 July. With tens of thousands expected, please consider using public transport, walking, cycling, or car sharing to help reduce congestion.
Park & Ride services will run frequently, but book early to secure your space. Please avoid driving to Torry and use public transport where possible.
The main entrance for the event will be at Marischal Street.
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For those with accessibility needs, the quayside can be accessed via Market Street, Virginia Street, Commerce Street, and Church Street. There will be no event access via Regent Quay.
Familiarise yourself with the area before you travel to ensure a smooth, enjoyable visit to the Tall Ships festival.
WHAT'S ON IN THE CITY CENTRE
Image Credit to Tall Ships Aberdeen.
Business Promotions: Local businesses across Aberdeen will offer special deals and experiences during the festival.
Discovery Zone: Hands-on STEM activities at Castlegate, open daily during the festival for families to enjoy.
Cultural Programme: Free and ticketed events across the city showcasing local talent, heritage, and creativity.
Daytime Entertainment: Street theatre, vintage fire engines, and dance performances will bring the city centre to life.
Nuart Tours: Special Tall Ships street art walking tours on Sunday 20 July at 11am and 1pm, starting at Provost Skene’s House.
Tall Ships Short Story Trail: Discover twelve BookBench sculptures around Aberdeen as part of a special storytelling trail.
Crew Parade: On Sunday 20 July at 4pm, sailors and Tall Ships crews will parade through Aberdeen with music and colourful costumes, finishing at Regent Quay.
Red Arrows Display: On Monday 21 July at 5:30pm, the Red Arrows will perform over the Beach Esplanade, closing the festival with breathtaking aerobatics.
QUAYSIDE CONCERTS
Image Credit to Tall Ships Aberdeen.
Quayside Concerts: Four sold-out concerts at Peterson Seabase, Regent Quay, from 6:30pm each night:
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Friday 18 July: Deacon Blue with Brooke Combe and The Little Kicks.
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Saturday 19 July: Ministry of Sound Classical with Paul Oakenfold and Look Busy Collective.
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Sunday 20 July: Tide Lines & Calum Bowie in a special concert supporting Aberdeen RNLI.
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Monday 21 July: Kaiser Chiefs with Glasvegas and The Capollos to close the celebrations.
ON THE QUAYSIDE
Laura Sherriffs showing Councillor Martin Greig some of her winning designs for The Tall Ships Aberdeen 2025 Makers Programme. Image - Courtesy of Norman Adams (Aberdeen City Council).
Curated on the Quayside Market: Explore stalls featuring local handmade crafts, artwork, and tasty treats during the Tall Ships festival – a great way to shop local and enjoy the vibrant festival atmosphere.
Food and Drinks: Enjoy a variety of street food, pop-up bars, and family-friendly dining options across the quayside and city centre, from seafood and wood-fired pizza to sweet treats and craft coffee.
Tall Ships Merchandise: Grab official Tall Ships Aberdeen apparel, accessories, and keepsakes to take a piece of the festival home.
IN Touch - Issue 63 (Tall Ships Special)
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