Exactly one year from today The Tall Ships Races will arrive in Aberdeen – and organisers are urging people across the north-east to: “Get ready, get excited and get involved”.
The Tall Ships Races will be Scotland’s biggest event in 2025 and is expected to attract at least 400,000 visits from July 19 to July 22, 2025.
To mark this milestone date more details have been unveiled of the spectacle, fun and excitement, including an eye-catching map highlighting where the majestic Tall Ships will berth in Port of Aberdeen. The four-day maritime festival will transform the quayside in Port of Aberdeen’s North Harbour into a world-class event space, with a spectacular forest of masts as more than 50 vessels from across the globe berth there, ready to welcome visitors on board.
The official event format was also published with highlights including the fleet in port by noon on Saturday 19 July. The city centre will buzz with more than 1,500 sailors joining the international crew parade the next day, featuring live music, dance, and theatre.
A grand finale of fireworks on the seafront will dazzle visiting crowds on 21 July before the ships set sail for Kristiansand, Norway, the following day. This departure will be marked by a parade of sail along the beach esplanade.
The quaysides will host a rich range of attractions from food and craft stalls to street performers during the Tall Ships Races, which has been brought to the city in a concerted effort between Aberdeen City Council, Aberdeen Inspired and Port of Aberdeen.
And a host of venues across the city centre will offer exhibitions, free activities, art installations as well as environmental and conservation projects and activities, with more details and many more exciting events and attractions to be announced in the coming months.
The Year To Go countdown – which also sees the launch of a new branding for The Tall Ships Aberdeen 2025 and a new look for its website - falls as Aberdeen stages its first Festival of the Sea. This fun-filled celebration of the city’s maritime heritage includes three Tall Ships – Reaper, Swan, and Royalist - berthed at Duthies Quay, Port of Aberdeen on 19 and 20 July, giving a taster of what’s in store for next year.
Aberdeen will be the only UK host port next year for the Tall Ships Races, Europe’s largest free family festival, and based on the experience of previous host ports, stands to inject tens of millions of pounds into the city and wider economy.
Councillor Martin Greig, Aberdeen City Council, said: “The Tall Ships visit in 2025 will bring a world-class event right into the heart of Aberdeen for everyone to enjoy. People of all ages can get excited about taking part in the fun of Europe's biggest free family festival. It will be a wonderful weekend. Hundreds of thousands of residents and visitors will create amazing memories to last a lifetime. The Tall Ships Races can only enhance Aberdeen’s reputation as a vibrant and forward-looking European city of culture."
Adrian Watson, chief executive of Aberdeen Inspired, said: “With just 365 days to go this is the time for people to get ready, get excited and get involved.
“Get ready to welcome hundreds of thousands of excited visitors and the major economic boost the Tall Ships will bring in their wake, not just for one weekend in July but well beyond that as Aberdeen is put in the spotlight on the international stage.”
Bob Sanguinetti, CEO, Port of Aberdeen, said: “Get involved, whether as a sail trainee on a life-changing opportunity, a volunteer helping make the event a superb success, or a business seizing the rich opportunities the Tall Ships Races offers.
“The benefits offered by the Tall Ships are almost limitless and I would urge everyone – from young people to major organisations – to make the most of this once-in-a-generation event.”
Chris Foy, CEO, VisitAberdeenshire, said: “The region’s strong connections to the sea will be celebrated in a packed schedule of events happening during Tall Ships 2025, and give attendees another reason to visit the city and shire to fully embrace the North-east’s fascinating maritime history.”
David Jackson, Regional Director at VisitScotland, said: “The Tall Ships Races Aberdeen 2025 is a great opportunity for tourism and events businesses to engage with a huge captive audience and celebrate what makes the region special. Not only will it provide a fantastic boost to the local economy, but it will raise the profile and strengthen the reputation of the region as a major events host, as well as a world class destination for sailing and other marine activities.”
A variety of sponsorship packages are available. Businesses can find out more by contacting Leanne Sinclair, Sales & Sponsorship Coordinator for Mearns & Gill, at leanne.sinclair@mearns-gill.com or calling 01224 646311.
More than 100 locals aged 15 - 25 have the chance to be sail trainees aboard a Tall Ship from Dunkirk to Aberdeen or Aberdeen to Kristiansand. Applications will open later this year for young people from all walks of life to take part in this life-changing experience. Meanwhile, the Tall Ship Swan has been offering taster sail days for young people during Festival of the Sea.
A team of volunteers will be needed to make the Tall Ships Races happen and recruiting for a volunteer chief liaison officer is underway now. You can find out more and apply here.
Almost 10,000 individuals and businesses have already registered their interest online to support The Tall Ships Races Aberdeen 2025. Prospective trainees, volunteers, sponsors, commercial traders, artists, musicians, and creatives are encouraged to join online today at www.tallshipsaberdeen.com
