An exciting programme of events including ticketed music concerts with nationally and internationally recognised headline acts is to take place as part of the Tall Ships festival in Aberdeen next year.
A large outdoor event space adjacent to the harbour’s quaysides including a stage holding more than 7,000 people is to be constructed as part of the family-friendly festivities which are expected to draw 400,000 visits and 60 Tall Ships from 19 to 22 July 2025.
The updates were agreed today at Aberdeen Council Council’s Finance and Resources Committee – the Council is one of the main partners for the event alongside Port of Aberdeen and Aberdeen Inspired.
Committee Convener Councillor Alex McLellan said: “The programme of music concerts with national and internationally-recognised headline acts is an exciting new announcement of what will be happening around Aberdeen’s quaysides for the Tall Ships.
“The additional events through the cultural and education programme will also add to the buzz in the city centre next July and will be great fun to take part in.”
The report to committee said due to Aberdeen’s popularity among participating ships, the size of the expected fleet has grown from 40 ships to about 60 now expected. Costs related to the ships, crew, and event security have risen alongside above inflationary costs in the events sector.
Adrian Watson, chief executive of Aberdeen Inspired, said: “The unveiling of this exciting music, entertainment and cultural strand underlines just how spectacular the Tall Ships Races will be when they arrive and just how much they will offer to the city.
“Aberdeen will be the only UK host port for the Tall Ships next year and for that weekend in July it will be the only place to be in the country as hundreds of thousands of visitors arrive to not only be delighted by around 60 of these beautiful vessels berthed at the harbour, but also the rich entertainment and excitement of the whole event."
Bob Sanguinetti, CEO, Port of Aberdeen, said: "The Tall Ships Races Aberdeen 2025 will be Scotland's biggest event next year and the headline acts will only add to the excitement. Aberdeen has rich maritime heritage and fond memories of the Tall Ships in the nineties. We're working hard with stakeholders across the region to deliver an event that is remembered positively for generations."
Additional cultural and education programme events are proposed which would have to be paid for through sponsorship, grants, patronage or other funding. These could include a free kids’ play zone including a beach area at the quayside, a world record attempt for the biggest Dashing White Sergeant, a STEM programme from key sector partners including family activities at the event site, and additional activities at the Closing Celebration.
Sponsorship has been actively pursued since February and packages are available with defined benefits which are then tailored to potential sponsor needs. The sponsorship target is a minimum of £850,000 with stretch targets of £1million and £1.2m. Of the major sponsors, one top tier package and the headline sponsor package remain. More details of sponsorship packages is at Sponsorship | Tall Ships Aberdeen
