Crowds tripped the light fantastic to enjoy Spectra over the weekend. Image - Ian Georgeson Photography
Aberdeen Inspired has praised the “brilliant” success of Spectra which attracted 100,000 visits to the city centre over its four-day run at the weekend.
A giant slinky, an inflatable castle, a huge neon colouring wall and a high-powered light beam sharing a morse code message with the universe, were just some of the 15 illuminated exhibits on display for Scotland’s Festival of Light,
The event also saw the iconic Aberdeen letters – created by Aberdeen Inspired - help light up Broad Street with a Spectra-themed display outside Marischal College for the duration of the festival, staged by Aberdeen City Council.
Adrian Watson, chief executive of Aberdeen Inspired, said the Business Improvement District was delighted to have partnered with Aberdeen City Council on this year’s Spectra.
“The festival has clearly been a brilliant success and attracting 100,000 visits to the city centre over the four days will have been a massive boost for shops, traders and other attractions,” he said.
“We were delighted by the excitement that the Aberdeen letters added to the spectacular proceedings.
One of the brilliant Spectra balloon window displays at Jenson & Ledingham Opticians on Belmont Street. Image - Aberdeen Inspired
“We hope people also enjoyed Aberdeen Inspired’s other Spectra-inspired project, the illuminated balloons which lit up more than 30 shop and business fronts over the festival weekend,” added Adrian, saying he was grateful to Aberdeen City Council for funding the ballon project and to the businesses who took part.
“Spectra proves the people of Aberdeen love and embrace major festivals and no doubt they are looking forward to the once-in-a-generation spectacular that will be the return of the Tall Ships this July.”
Councillor Martin Greig, cultural spokesperson for Aberdeen City Council, said: “Spectra offers an unrivalled cultural feast of light installations and entertainment. It's great that thousands came out in such numbers to enjoy the festival. It has been a wonderful opportunity for people in the city to get together and make Spectra 2025 such a success.
“Many visitors have come to our wonderful city to experience the amazing images and sounds. I would like to thank the brilliantly talented artists who have created these inspiring artworks.
Union Terraced Gardens was the epicentre of Spectra fun. Image - Ian Georgeson Photography.
“Our production team, Live Event Management, deserve sincere thanks for their splendid work to make this festival happen. We are all grateful for the very generous sponsorship from Burness Paull, Vattenfall, First Aberdeen, Aberdeen Inspired and EventScotland. Their funding support has made a huge difference and is much appreciated.
“The festival theme of Journeys was especially appropriate as the city gets ready to host the Tall Ships Races in a few months’ time. This will be another opportunity to keep our profile up.
“A majestic fleet of ships will return for the first time in almost 30 years. This is going to be a very exciting time for the Granite City as it hosts another major free celebration for residents and visitors to enjoy together."
Event-goers are being invited to share their thoughts and feedback on Spectra by completing the visitor survey.