Northern Nights is a new VisitAberdeenshire campaign aimed at bringing visitors to Aberdeen and the north-east in the winter months. Image - Aberdeen Inspired
VisitAberdeenshire has unlocked a second season of Northern Nights, a promotional campaign to attract visitors to Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire during the winter months.
Aberdeen Inspired is backing the campaign which aims to extend the visitor season by promoting the experiences under the bright lights of the city, and the starry skies of rural Aberdeenshire a
Following the award of a grant from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund via Aberdeen City Council, the drive will have a significant focus on experiences that can be enjoyed in the city either side of the festive season, with starlight shining on major events like Granite Noir and Spectra, as well as providing inspiration for visitors to create cultural trails into lesser-known parts of the city.
The campaign will run from this month until the end of January, with a break over Christmas targeting prospective visitors in the rest of Scotland, northern England, West Midlands and the South-east.
Chris Foy, Chief Executive, VisitAberdeenshire said: “Our aim is to establish the region as a year-round destination, so ‘Northern Nights’ is designed to highlight the reasons to travel here in the traditionally quieter months.
Aberdeen Christmas Village is one of the many attractions the Granite City and north-east have to offer in winter months. Image - Glen Cairns Photography
“The grant from UK Shared Prosperity Fund through Aberdeen City Council means that we can really turn the dial up on the City experience as part of this campaign as well as profiling the beauty of Aberdeenshire in winter-time.
“From the city’s vibrant festivals to Aberdeenshire’s exceptional stargazing credentials – we want visitors to look up and around and immerse themselves in the sights and sounds of winter.”
Adrian Watson, chief executive of Aberdeen Inspired, said: “Where better to spend Northern Nights than in the city of the Northern Lights? And Aberdeen really is the bright, glittering place to drive cold winter away, with our rich and varied offering for visitors.
“There isn’t a place in the land where you will get a warmer welcome than here in Aberdeen”
Councillor Martin Greig, culture spokesperson for Aberdeen City Council, said: “The Council is delighted to be supporting Northern Nights. The winter months are a great time to enjoy Aberdeen’s rich arts offering, whether that’s visiting our galleries and museums or attending our busy events programme. The warmth of the city’s hospitality is felt even more keenly during winter.”
Spetra is a spectacular festival of light which transforms Aberdeen into a wonderland - such as this stunning installation which was at St Nicholas' Kirkyard earlier for the event this year. Image - Aberdeen Inspired
The campaign will also feature a partnership Caledonian Sleeper, with dual-branded advertisements promoting services from London and Birmingham.
Steven Marshall, Head of Sales & Marketing at Caledonian Sleeper, said: “We’re delighted to once again partner with the team at VisitAberdeenshire to promote our unique, low-carbon way to travel to one of Scotland’s most diverse and exciting regions. From a vibrant city experience to breathtaking coastal landscapes and a thriving food and drink scene, we’re showcasing the very best of Aberdeenshire to audiences in London and the South East.
“With the recent addition of Birmingham International as a stop on our Highlander route, the Highlands – and destinations like Aberdeen – are now even more accessible for those based in the Midlands.”
The campaign is also supported by Arnold Clark car rental, Glen Tanar Estate, LNER, Mackie’s of Scotland, and the Sandman Hotel.
You can find out more about the Northern Nights campaign here